A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv is reported to have made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Sept. 30 after transmitting distress signals, with officials reporting an apparent altercation between the pilots.
Flight FZ1073 landed safely at Tabuk airport, the airline confirmed. All passengers were safe and accounted for, Reuters reported.
Israel scrambled fighter jets amid initial fears of a hijacking, an official told The Associated Press. Israeli authorities later said the situation was under control and efforts were underway to bring the passengers to Israel.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft transmitted a general emergency signal followed by a signal indicating possible unlawful interference. The Israeli prime minister’s office said the incident was not believed to be a hijacking.
An Israeli official told Reuters that a physical altercation between the pilots preceded the emergency signals. The circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear.
Flydubai said it was working with the relevant authorities and would release further updates as confirmed information became available.