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Cockpit Chaos: Flydubai Flight Triggers Hijack Alert After Pilots' Brawl
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Moneycontrol•30-09-2026, 14:30
Cockpit Chaos: Flydubai Flight Triggers Hijack Alert After Pilots' Brawl
- •A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv issued a Squawk 7500 hijack alert due to a reported fight between pilots in the cockpit.
- •Israeli media reported that one pilot fainted during the altercation, leading to both pilots' removal after landing.
- •Civilian pilots traveling as passengers reportedly intervened, preventing one pilot from taking control of the aircraft.
- •Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled after the distress signal, as authorities investigated a potential hijacking or security emergency.
- •Passengers reported panic, hearing "screams and blood," and feared for their lives as the aircraft descended rapidly before landing safely in Saudi Arabia.
Key Questions Answered
The Flydubai flight FZ1073 transmitted a Squawk 7500 emergency code following a reported physical altercation between the two pilots in the cockpit, though initial reports of a hijacking were unconfirmed.
Yes, according to reports, a second team of civilian-dressed pilots travelling as passengers intervened and stopped one of the involved pilots from taking control of the aircraft.
The aircraft diverted while flying over Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk, with all passengers and crew reported to be safe.
