The situation involving a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv that was diverted to Saudi Arabia is under control.
Axar.az reports, citing the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that all necessary measures are currently being taken to ensure the safe return of Israeli passengers to Israel.
“The situation is under control, and all measures are currently being taken to bring the Israeli passengers back to Israel safely,” the statement said.
It should be noted that earlier in the morning, the Flydubai aircraft transmitted the 7700 emergency code, followed by the 7500 code used in cases of suspected hijacking. Although contact with the crew was lost, it was restored several minutes later.
As the aircraft was approaching Tel Aviv, it suddenly changed course and was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed at around 11:00 a.m. Baku time. The aircraft was escorted first by Israeli fighter jets and later by Saudi fighter jets.
According to reports, an argument broke out between the pilots during the flight and escalated into a physical altercation, prompting the activation of the 7700 emergency code. One of the pilots was reportedly Russian and the other Ukrainian.