Flydubai flight sends hijack alert on Dubai-Tel Aviv route, Israeli jets scrambled as threat ruled out

A flydubai passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv triggered an emergency alert while flying over Saudi Arabia, according to flight tracking data. The aircraft reportedly turned around after transmitting the international emergency “squawk code” 7700. The development triggered heightened security concerns, with Israeli Air Force fighter jets reportedly scrambled toward the aircraft, according to local media reports. Hebrew media reports also said that Israel’s Prime Minister and Defence Minister were holding emergency consultations following the incident.

Flydubai aircraft lands at Saudi airport

The aircraft later landed at a Saudi airport, according to The Times of Israel. Hijacking has reportedly been ruled out following the aircraft’s landing. The flight had been travelling from Dubai towards Tel Aviv when it turned back while over Saudi Arabia. The emergency signal sent by the aircraft is a standard aviation alert indicating that an aircraft is experiencing an emergency, although the signal itself does not specify the exact nature of the problem.