A passenger flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has raised alarms after initially transmitting a squawk code 7700—a global emergency signal. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft switched to code 7500, indicating a potential hijacking or unlawful interference.
According to security sources, Israeli Air Force fighters were scrambled to intercept the aircraft. Authorities are engaged in urgent consultations regarding the situation.
Later reports from The Times of Israel indicated that the plane is expected to land in Saudi Arabia within minutes. Israeli security sources noted that once the aircraft touches down, a clearer understanding of the events aboard will be established.
Ynet reported that there were 174 passengers on board, including 27 children. Security personnel have sent reassuring messages about the flight’s landing at Tabuk Airport. It has been revealed that the distress signal was triggered due to a reported altercation, allegedly between the pilots themselves, according to Israeli security sources.
Flight tracking service Flightradar24 provided a timeline of the flight. It recorded the takeoff from Dubai International Airport at 3:05 AM, the transmission of emergency code 7700 at 5:31 AM, the switch to the potential hijacking code 7500 at 5:38 AM, and the disappearance from radar. The aircraft again sent the distress signal 7700 at 6:28 AM via satellite, with the last signal reported from Tabuk regional airport at 6:58 AM.
Details of the incident are still being clarified.
