Dubai-Tel Aviv flight diverted after Ukrainian, Russian pilots reportedly clash

A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after an emergency alert was transmitted during the flight, with Israeli media reporting that the aircraft’s Ukrainian and Russian pilots had fought.

The Boeing 737 was carrying about 180 people, including around 150 Israelis. The aircraft initially transmitted code 7700, indicating an emergency, before sending code 7500, which is used to signal a hijacking, according to foreign media.

Israel scrambled two fighter jets to escort the aircraft. It was later diverted towards Saudi Arabia and landed safely, after which Israeli airspace was reopened.

According to Israeli media, the hijacking alert may have been linked to a confrontation between the pilots in the cockpit. The reason for the reported fight remains unclear.

A passenger later told Israeli outlet i24NEWS that the pilots had fought and that one of them allegedly attempted to stab the other. Israeli passengers intervened, restrained the attacker and brought the situation under control, she said. One of the pilots was receiving medical attention.

Earlier reports alleged that one of the pilots had attempted to bring down the aircraft by putting it into a steep descent from about 30,000 feet. The aircraft reportedly descended to 15,000 feet before the second pilot intervened and prevented a further incident. The account has not been independently confirmed.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was taking all measures to ensure the safe return of passengers and that the situation was under control.

By Aghakazim Guliyev