Passenger Jet Flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv Transmits "Code 7700" ... Makes Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia After Distress Signal

[Financial News] A passenger aircraft traveling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) city of Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel, triggered a hijacking scare after transmitting a distress signal.
About two hours and 30 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft transmitted "Code 7700," a signal used when a serious threat to flight operations occurs. Fighter jets were scrambled, and the prime minister chaired a meeting based on a possible hijacking scenario. It later turned out that the incident had been caused by a fight between the pilots.
The aircraft in question turned around and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The passengers and crew were reportedly safe.
According to local media, including The Times of Israel, a flydubai passenger aircraft carrying about 180 people departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on the morning of the 30th local time and transmitted a distress signal.
About two hours and 30 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft transmitted "Code 7700," a signal used when a serious threat to flight operations occurs, such as an aircraft malfunction, engine failure, fire, or a serious medical emergency involving a passenger.
However, shortly afterward, the aircraft changed its signal to "Code 7500," which indicates a hijacking or unlawful interference.
As a result, Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled toward the aircraft, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz convened an emergency meeting.
The aircraft turned around over Saudi Arabia and landed at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport, which is used for both civilian and military purposes.
Israeli security officials said the incident stemmed from a dispute between the passenger aircraft's pilots and that all passengers on board were safe.
A regional official briefed on the incident told the Associated Press that a physical altercation had broken out in the cockpit and appeared, based on the circumstances, to have involved a dispute between the pilots. The cause of the fight was not immediately known.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office later announced that the situation was under control and that the Israeli government was working to safely bring the passengers home.
Emergency landings caused by problems between crew members are rare, but not unprecedented.
In 2022, two pilots were suspended after engaging in a physical fight in the cockpit of an Air France passenger aircraft traveling from Geneva to Paris. The aircraft, however, remained on its route and landed as scheduled.
flydubai is Emirates' low-cost sister airline. Since the UAE normalized diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020, it has become a popular resort destination for Israeli tourists.

[email protected] Lee Seok-woo, international affairs correspondent Reporter