Dubai-Tel Aviv flight diverts after hijacking alert over Saudi Arabia

A flydubai passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv abruptly changed course while flying over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after transmitting emergency signals, triggering fears of a possible hijacking and prompting a heightened security response in Israel.

The aircraft was carrying more than 150 passengers, according to Israeli media reports, when it reportedly transmitted squawk code 7700, the internationally recognised transponder code indicating a general emergency. It was subsequently reported to have transmitted 7500, a code associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft making an unexpected turn while descending over Saudi Arabian airspace. Reports said the plane was diverted towards Saudi Arabia as authorities worked to establish what had happened onboard.

The unusual flight path and emergency transmissions quickly raised concern in Israel. Israeli media reported that fighter aircraft were scrambled after the incident, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz held an urgent security consultation.

However, officials cautioned against concluding that the aircraft had actually been hijacked.

An Israeli security source cited by Ynet said there was no confirmed information of a hijacking and that the pilot had activated an emergency signal. The precise reason for the emergency remained unclear as authorities awaited the aircraft’s landing and further information from those onboard.

The distinction between the two transponder codes is significant. Code 7700 is used by pilots to alert air traffic controllers to a general emergency, which can involve a range of situations. Code 7500, meanwhile, is specifically associated with unlawful interference, including hijacking.

The aircraft’s diversion also drew attention because of its location over Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking reports indicated that the plane descended and altered its course instead of continuing towards Tel Aviv.

Israeli media said the aircraft was expected to land in Saudi Arabia, where authorities would have an opportunity to determine the circumstances behind the emergency and question relevant personnel. Other reports said the flight had stabilised after the initial alert, although details remained limited.

The incident comes amid heightened regional security concerns, making the emergency signals particularly sensitive. Nevertheless, there was no immediate official confirmation that passengers or crew had been taken hostage or that a hijacking had taken place.

Authorities are expected to provide further details after the aircraft lands and investigators establish why the emergency codes were transmitted.

For now, the key facts remain that the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight issued emergency signals, changed course over Saudi Arabia and triggered a security response, while the cause of the incident and the reported hijacking concern remain under investigation.