Jerusalem, 30 September 2026 (Kamran Raja): A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after transmitting emergency signals following a reported physical altercation between the pilots, according to an Israeli official. Flydubai Flight FZ1073, operated by a Boeing 737, was flying over Jordanian airspace toward Israel when it first transmitted a general emergency signal, followed several minutes later by another signal indicating possible unlawful interference, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. The aircraft later transmitted another general emergency signal before landing safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. An Israeli Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson said the incident was not believed to be a hijacking. Flydubai said the flight experienced an “incident” while travelling to Tel Aviv and was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely, adding that all passengers were safe and accounted for. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that the emergency signals were transmitted after the pilots became involved in a physical confrontation. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether either pilot intentionally activated the emergency signals, were not immediately clear. A passenger’s family member also reported hearing screams and seeing signs of violence, although the account could not be independently verified. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations over the incident, with his office saying the situation was under control and that efforts were underway to return Israeli passengers to Israel. The incident comes as Flydubai continues to operate daily flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv, a route frequently used by Israeli travellers.