Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv makes emergency landing in Saudi Arabia

On the morning of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, a Flydubai flight (FZ1073) traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv triggered an emergency security alert while over Saudi Arabia. The aircraft, carrying approximately 174 to 180 passengers, initially transmitted the squawk code 7700 for a general emergency, followed by code 7500, which typically indicates a potential hijacking or unlawful interference.

In response to the signals, the flight diverted from its course and performed a landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Israeli defense officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, held emergency security consultations, and Israeli fighter jets were reportedly scrambled toward the aircraft. Initial concerns regarding a hijacking were later downgraded by Israeli media reports, which identified the source of the emergency as an onboard altercation between the pilots, with some accounts suggesting one pilot may have lost consciousness.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the exact cause of the dispute or the condition of those involved. The incident remains under review as officials gather more information following the safe arrival of the aircraft at the Saudi airport.