FlyDubai plane plunges 14,000ft after pilots ‘fight in cockpit’ sparking hijack scare
A FlyDubai passenger plane bound for Israel plunged thousands of feet and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a reported fight between its two pilots, sparking fears of a possible hijacking.
A passenger plane bound for Israel plunged nearly 14,000ft in less than 30 seconds before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a reported fight between its pilots.
FlyDubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when it suddenly lost altitude and transmitted emergency signals, including a code used to indicate possible “unlawful interference” with an aircraft.
The dramatic incident initially sparked fears of a possible hijacking and prompted a major security response in Israel.
The Boeing 737 had been cruising at around 34,000ft when flight-tracking data showed it entering a steep descent. Its altitude then fluctuated before the aircraft levelled out at around 15,000ft near the Saudi-Jordanian border.
Flightradar24 said the jet first transmitted emergency code 7700, used for a general emergency, before switching minutes later to 7500, the internationally recognised code for unlawful interference. It later reverted to 7700.
The aircraft eventually diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
An Israeli official told Reuters the emergency signals were sent after the two pilots became involved in a physical altercation. However, it remains unclear exactly what caused the confrontation or whether either pilot deliberately activated the emergency signals.
Passengers reportedly heard screaming during the incident, while one traveller told relatives there had been frightening scenes close to the cockpit.
Israeli authorities initially treated the situation as a potential security incident. Israeli media reported that fighter aircraft were scrambled as officials tried to establish what was happening on board.
The Israeli prime minister's office later said the incident was not believed to have been a hijacking and confirmed the situation was “under control”. Around 150 Israeli passengers were reported to have been on board.
FlyDubai confirmed the aircraft had experienced an “incident” while travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport.
The airline said: “The aircraft has landed safely in Tabuk Airport and all passengers are safe and accounted for.”
It added that its teams were working with the relevant authorities and further information would be released as details were confirmed.