A flydubai plane turned back after transmitting a possible hijacking signal and landed in Saudi Arabia

A flydubai commercial plane flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned back and landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after transmitting two emergency codes associated with a possible hijacking. Approximately 180 passengers were on board.

According to the Times of Israel, which cited Israeli security sources, the aircraft initially transmitted code 7700, a general international emergency signal. Shortly afterward, the pilots transmitted code 7500, used to indicate a hijacking or unlawful interference.

The cited sources said the incident was apparently caused by an altercation between the pilots on board. No additional information has been provided so far about the nature of the conflict or any possible casualties.

After the signals were transmitted, Israeli Air Force fighter jets were mobilized toward the aircraft. The Israeli military announced that IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir convened an assessment meeting with several senior commanders, including the heads of the Air Force, the Operations Directorate and the Intelligence Directorate.