flydubai rescue flight departs Saudi Arabia for Tel Aviv — Jerusalem Post

A flydubai rescue flight carrying passengers from flight FZ1073 departed on Wednesday from Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia for Tel Aviv. All passengers from the original flight, which had previously been reported as the target of a hijacking attempt, ultimately boarded the aircraft, The Jerusalem Post reports.

Expected arrival in Israel

The Israel Airports Authority said the aircraft was expected to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport about 45 minutes after departure, at approximately 18:15. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to arrive at the airport to meet the passengers, according to the publication.

Magen David Adom emergency medical service said its teams, together with airport medical staff, were on standby to conduct medical examinations of the passengers and provide assistance if needed.

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Passengers initially refused to fly

Some Israeli passengers initially did not want to board the flydubai-organized rescue flight. According to The Jerusalem Post, they insisted on returning on an Israeli aircraft amid reports that the pilot suspected of attempting to hijack FZ1073 was of Omani origin.

Of the 174 passengers on flight FZ1073, 166 were Israelis, Israeli media had previously reported. One passenger told the publication that children were crying while waiting at Tabuk Airport.

The crew of the flydubai rescue flight was approved by the Israeli security services Mossad and Shin Bet. At the same time, Saudi authorities did not allow the Israeli Air Force to evacuate Israeli citizens from Saudi Arabia.