Israel-Bound Flight Diverted After Pilot Altercation

A Flydubai flight carrying approximately 150 people, predominantly Israelis, was diverted to Tabuk Airport in northeastern Saudi Arabia early Wednesday morning following an incident between the pilots. The flight, originating from Dubai International Airport, initially transmitted an emergency code approximately two hours into its journey, according to flight tracking data. This alert was briefly followed by a code indicating a hijacking, but was later reverted to a general emergency signal. Israeli officials, citing defense authorities, stated the incident was not believed to be a hijacking and was instead thought to stem from a physical altercation between the pilot and co-pilot. The Israeli air force deployed fighter jets as a precautionary measure, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed urgent consultations were held regarding the event. The Israeli prime minister's office later confirmed that a hijacking had been ruled out.