Physical cockpit altercation triggers false hijack alarm over Middle East
Physical fighting between pilots on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight triggered emergency signals and a false hijacking alert on Wednesday. Israel scrambled fighter jets in response before the aircraft diverted safely to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
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Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying approximately 180 passengers, initially sent squawk code 7700 to indicate a general emergency. Moments later, the cockpit transmitted code 7500, an international signal for unlawful interference and potential hijacking. Flight tracking data indicated the jet crossed into Jordanian airspace before making a sudden U-turn toward Saudi Arabia. During this sequence, the aircraft experienced an unexpected altitude drop, flying unusually low at about 15,000 feet. Commercial aviation safety protocols require immediate ground response when code 7500 is transmitted, treating every instance as a severe security threat until verified otherwise.
False alarm prompts high-level response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly convened an emergency meeting with the defence minister, and authorities briefly closed Israeli airspace. Israeli officials later confirmed that the emergency codes were broadcast after the two pilots engaged in a physical altercation. Authorities have not yet determined if the pilots intentionally transmitted the hijacking signal or if it was accidentally triggered during their physical struggle in the cockpit.
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Flydubai issued a brief statement confirming the safety of everyone on board. Representatives stated that the aircraft landed without further incident and all passengers were secure and accounted for. The Emirati carrier is dispatching a replacement aircraft to Saudi Arabia to transport the stranded passengers to their final destination in Tel Aviv. Passengers are expected to complete their travel plans shortly despite the alarming interruption to their scheduled route.
