Flydubai Flight Sends Hijack Code Over Saudi Arabia, Lands Safely After Diversion
Flydubai flight FZ1073 triggered emergency alerts over Saudi Arabia after sending a hijack code before diverting and landing safely.
A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv triggered an aviation emergency after sending a hijack-related transponder code while flying over Saudi Arabia. The Boeing 737, operating as flight FZ1073, was subsequently diverted and landed safely.
The aircraft first transmitted squawk code 7700, which indicates a general emergency. It later switched to 7500, the international code used to indicate hijacking or unlawful interference.
During the incident, the aircraft descended to around 15,000 feet and made a sharp turn while crossing northern Saudi Arabian airspace before stabilising. Sources said several Israeli passengers were onboard.
The flight eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia, with the emergency situation reported to have been resolved. The circumstances that led to the diversion and the use of the hijack code remain under investigation.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns across West Asia, adding to scrutiny surrounding commercial aviation in the region.
Authorities are expected to investigate why the aircraft transmitted the 7500 code and what prompted the sudden change in its flight path. Official statements from Israeli and Saudi authorities were awaited at the time of reporting.
