A FlyDubai plane landed in Saudi Arabia after a report of a possible hijacking

A FlyDubai aircraft, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, landed in Saudi Arabia after the crew issued distress signals and reported a possible act of unlawful interference. According to preliminary reports, the incident may have been caused by a fight on board.

 

During the descent, the crew initially transmitted code 7700, which indicates a general emergency, and later code 7500, which is used in cases of unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.

After that, the aircraft switched to manual control, turned around, and set course for Saudi Arabia. At some point, contact with the aircraft was lost. It was not permitted to land at Ben-Gurion Airport.

According to preliminary reports, the pilots were out of contact with air traffic controllers in Israel and Jordan for some time.

There were 180 passengers on board, about 100 of whom were Israeli citizens.

There is currently no official information regarding a hijacking. The causes of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the landing in Saudi Arabia are under investigation.

As a reminder, a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv reported being hijacked and changed course.