A Flydubai passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the aircraft’s co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain during a violent confrontation inside the cockpit, according to media reports.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying more than 150 passengers, initially transmitted squawk code 7700, indicating a general emergency, around 90 minutes after leaving Dubai.
The aircraft subsequently transmitted 7500 — the internationally recognised transponder code indicating unlawful interference or a possible hijacking — before later reverting to 7700.
The alert prompted Israeli authorities to close Israeli airspace and scramble fighter jets as concerns grew that the aircraft might have been hijacked.
Passengers reportedly described hearing screams and seeing blood during the incident and feared they would die as the aircraft appeared to descend sharply.
The flight ultimately diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Tabuk is home to both civilian and military aviation facilities.
Initial Israeli reports had said there was no confirmation of a hijacking and that the pilot had activated a distress signal. The latest reports, however, allege that a violent confrontation between the captain and co-pilot occurred inside the cockpit, with the captain reportedly suffering stab wounds.
The incident is now reportedly being investigated as a potential terrorist attack, although the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, including the motive, have yet to be officially established.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz convened an urgent security consultation following the alert.
Further official confirmation from Flydubai and the relevant aviation and security authorities is awaited.f