Flydubai Scare: Pilots Allegedly Fight Inside Cockpit, Triggering Hijack Alert

A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv triggered a major security alert on Wednesday after it transmitted emergency codes while flying over Saudi Arabia, initially raising fears of a possible hijacking.

Flight FZ1073, carrying around 180 passengers, first transmitted 7700, the international transponder code for a general emergency, before switching to 7500, which is associated with hijacking or unlawful interference.

The alert prompted Israeli authorities to activate security protocols, with Israeli fighter jets reportedly scrambled towards the aircraft. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also held emergency consultations with security officials as authorities monitored the situation.

Hijack Alert Turns Out To Be Mid-Air Fight Between Pilots

According to reports in Israeli media, including The Jerusalem Post, the incident was reportedly triggered by a violent altercation between the two pilots inside the cockpit.

The reports said the confrontation disrupted the flight's operation and resulted in the aircraft deviating from its planned route.

However, details of the alleged physical confrontation have not been independently confirmed by Flydubai or aviation authorities and should therefore be treated as reported claims.

Hijacking fears trigger Israeli security response

The transmission of the 7500 code immediately raised concerns that the aircraft could have been hijacked. The code is internationally used to indicate a suspected hijacking or unlawful interference with an aircraft.

Israeli authorities responded as a precaution, with fighter jets reportedly deployed towards the aircraft. Netanyahu was also briefed on the situation and held discussions with senior security officials.

Later reports indicated that authorities did not believe the aircraft had actually been hijacked.

Flight lands safely in Saudi Arabia

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The passengers were reported to be safe.

The incident caused a brief international security scare because of the 7500 transmission, but subsequent reports linked the emergency to the alleged dispute between the pilots rather than an external hijacking threat.