A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia Wednesday morning after an incident in the cockpit. The flight landed in Tabuk, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, following a violent altercation on board, according to an Israeli security source speaking to ABC News.
The Diversion
The flight departed Dubai at 7:05 a.m. local time, according to Flightradar24. Tracking data shows the aircraft descended rapidly from 34,000 to 16,000 feet in three minutes.
About 10 minutes after the descent, the plane’s squawk code changed to “general emergency.” Seven minutes later, the squawk code changed again, indicating a hijacking or “unlawful interference.” The aircraft flew at an average of 15,000 feet until landing in Tabuk. The landing occurred about an hour to an hour and a half after the emergency signals were sent.
The Cockpit Incident
The incident involved a violent altercation on board, according to the Israeli security source. Israel is investigating the incident as a potential terror incident.
The Passengers
The flight was carrying mostly Israeli passengers. FlyDubai confirmed the flight “experienced an incident while en route” and landed in Tabuk.
The Emergency Signals
The rapid descent from 34,000 to 16,000 feet took three minutes. The squawk code changed to “general emergency” 10 minutes after the descent began.
Seven minutes later, the code changed again, indicating a hijacking or “unlawful interference.” The aircraft maintained an average altitude of 15,000 feet throughout its approach to Tabuk.
The Return Plan
An Israeli security source confirmed to ABC News that the security forces recommended a military aircraft be sent to repatriate Israeli passengers from Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu’s Response
Netanyahu’s office posted on X that Netanyahu “held consultations on the matter and is monitoring developments.” The office added that “the incident is under control, and all measures are currently being deployed in order to return the Israeli passengers safely to Israel.”
Key Facts
- Flight diverted from Dubai to Tel Aviv to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Departure time: 7:05 a.m. local time, Dubai
- Descent from 34,000 to 16,000 feet in three minutes
- Squawk code changed to “general emergency” 10 minutes after descent
- Squawk code changed again seven minutes later, indicating hijacking or unlawful interference
- Average altitude during approach: 15,000 feet
- Landing about an hour to an hour and a half after emergency signals
- Mostly Israeli passengers
- Investigation ongoing as potential terror incident
What Happens Next
The passengers are on the ground. The flight has ended where it was never meant to end.
The incident remains under investigation.
Source material: “Flight to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia after incident in cockpit, Israeli security source says,” ABC13 Houston.
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