A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after the aircraft issued multiple emergency signals following a physical altercation between its pilots, according to an Israeli official.
FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 was flying towards Tel Aviv when it diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The Boeing 737 transmitted a general emergency signal before sending another signal indicating possible unlawful interference, according to flight-tracking data.
The aircraft later transmitted another general emergency signal and landed safely at Tabuk airport.
An Israeli official said the incident was not a hijacking and that the emergency signals were sent after the two pilots became involved in a physical fight. FlyDubai confirmed that the aircraft had experienced an “incident” en route to Tel Aviv and diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely. All passengers were reported safe and accounted for.
The incident initially raised concerns of a possible hijacking because of the emergency signals. However, Israeli authorities later ruled out a hijacking.
A relative of one passenger said her daughter reported hearing screaming during the incident and described seeing blood and a knife inside the aircraft. Those details have not been independently confirmed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations following the incident, while officials said the situation was under control and efforts were being made to arrange the return of Israeli passengers to Israel.
FlyDubai operates regular flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv. The airline also previously diverted a Tel Aviv-bound flight to Saudi Arabia in September 2025 following a medical emergency.
