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Israel-bound flight diverts to Saudi Arabia following reported cockpit fight between pilots

A Flydubai flight landed safely at Tabuk Airport after an emergency signal prompted Israel to scramble warplanes.

The short version

  • A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Israel was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an reported cockpit fight between pilots.[BBC News · France 24]
  • The aircraft sent an emergency signal that briefly raised hijacking concerns and prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets.[BBC News · France 24]
  • The plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport, and Israeli officials stated that efforts are underway to repatriate the passengers.[BBC News · Al Jazeera]

Key facts

  • A Flydubai flight traveling to Tel Aviv diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.[BBC News · Al Jazeera]
  • The aircraft transmitted an emergency code during the flight, briefly raising hijacking fears and causing Israel to scramble fighter jets.[BBC News · France 24]
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the situation was under control and that arrangements were being made to return passengers home.[BBC News · Al Jazeera]

What remains uncertain

  • The specific details and cause of the reported altercation between the pilots have not been independently verified.[Al Jazeera]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.