In a developing situation that has captured attention, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has stated that the diversion of a FlyDubai aircraft, which was en route from the UAE to Israel and changed course towards Saudi Arabia, is not believed to be the result of a hijacking. This assertion follows consultations within the Israeli government, as reported by three security officials who spoke to Reuters.
Flight Details and Emergency Signals
According to Israeli sources, the aircraft is expected to land in Saudi Arabia imminently. As the circumstances surrounding the change of course unfold, clarity on the situation is anticipated upon the aircraft’s landing. Notably, the plane entered Jordanian airspace before altering its trajectory towards Saudi Arabia, as reported by the BBC Arabic correspondent in Jerusalem.
The aircraft in question was carrying more than 150 passengers. It reportedly transmitted a distress signal prior to its rerouting over Saudi territory, prompting the Israel Air Force to deploy two fighter jets in response. Flight tracking data cited by the Times of Israel indicated that the plane first sent the transponder code 7700, which signifies a general emergency, before later switching to the code 7500, used to indicate a hijacking or unlawful interference with the flight.
Current Status and Authorities’ Response
Earlier reports from Yedioth Ahronoth quoted an Israeli security source stating that there was no confirmed information regarding a possible hijacking of the aircraft, while also noting that the pilot had activated the distress signal. As of now, the reasons for the emergency declaration or the change in flight path remain unclear, with further details expected to emerge following the plane’s landing in Saudi Arabia.