A flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv was unexpectedly diverted to Saudi Arabia after its pilots transmitted code 7500, an emergency signal for hijacking or interference. While the code prompted a significant security response from Israel, including fighter jet deployment, it was later clarified that the incident arose from a dispute between the two pilots, rather than a genuine threat to the aircraft or its 150 passengers. The plane eventually stabilized and ceased transmitting the emergency codes before its diversion.

A flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv was unexpectedly diverted to Saudi Arabia after its pilots transmitted code 7500, an emergency signal for hijacking or interference. While the code prompted a significant security response from Israel, including fighter jet deployment, it was later clarified that the incident arose from a dispute between the two pilots, rather than a genuine threat to the aircraft or its 150 passengers. The plane eventually stabilized and ceased transmitting the emergency codes before its diversion.

A flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv was unexpectedly diverted to Saudi Arabia after its pilots transmitted code 7500, an emergency signal for hijacking or interference. While the code prompted a significant security response from Israel, including fighter jet deployment, it was later clarified that the incident arose from a dispute between the two pilots, rather than a genuine threat to the aircraft or its 150 passengers. The plane eventually stabilized and ceased transmitting the emergency codes before its diversion.

A flydubai plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv in Israel, carrying about 150 passengers, was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday morning following a mid-air drama.

According to flight tracking data published online, the plane initially transmitted code 7700, intended for a general emergency, and later switched to code 7500. Code 7500, used during the flight, signals to aviation authorities a suspicion of hijacking or illegal interference with the plane.

However, it later emerged that the incident happened when the two pilots got into a violent altercation, according to The Jerusalem Post. The airline also confirmed that the transmission of the emergency code resulted from a fight between the pilots.

At one point, the plane circled over Jordanian skies and did not make contact. It then suddenly plunged to an altitude of about 15,000 feet.

The plane then stopped its progress towards Ben Gurion Airport and made a turn towards Saudi Arabia while Israeli Air Force planes were scrambled following the alert. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had convened a security meeting with defence officials.

The appearance of the code caused a state of heightened alert: the police and security forces conducted urgent situation assessments, and it was decided to temporarily halt all takeoffs from Ben Gurion Airport.

The airline later stated that it will send an alternative aircraft to shuttle some 150 Israeli passengers from Saudi Arabia to Tel Aviv. The pilots have been removed, the airline's CEO told Israeli transport officials, adding that a possible stabbing incident between the pilots in the cockpit is being examined.

Unconfirmed reports state that there are suspicions that one of the pilots of the flydubai flight attempted suicide and executed a dive from an altitude of 30,000 down to 15,000 feet in a short time. The second pilot prevented it during a struggle with him.

What is Code 7500

Code 7500 is considered one of the most sensitive emergency codes in civil aviation. According to aviation procedures, when an aircraft transmits it, air traffic controllers are required to check with the crew whether the code was chosen intentionally. If the crew does not rule it out, the incident is treated as a possible hijacking or unlawful interference situation.

After a short period of time, the plane stopped transmitting the two emergency codes and stabilised in straight flight.

Federal Aviation Administration procedures in the United States explicitly address the need to avoid accidentally entering codes 7500, 7600, and 7700, because even momentary transmission of them triggers alerts in the flight control system.

TAGS