A Dubai to Tel Aviv flight turned back over Saudi Arabia after a suspected hijack attempt. The aircraft sent emergency distress signals during the incident.
Army radio reported the development on Wednesday morning. The flight issued emergency code signals linked to possible unlawful interference.
Flight FZ1073 first activated code 7700 for a general emergency. Later, it changed the signal to 7500, linked with unlawful interference.
Afterward, the aircraft switched back to code 7700. Officials had no confirmed information about the situation inside the plane.
The aircraft later moved toward Tabuk. Authorities continued monitoring the flight movement.
180 Passengers Were Onboard The Flight
Initial reports suggested a possible fight between pilots. However, sources pointed toward an argument among passengers.
The flight carried 180 passengers in total. Reports suggested around 150 passengers were Israeli citizens.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defence Minister continued their meeting. Officials reviewed developments linked with the incident.
According to The Times of Israel report, the Israeli military reviewed the situation. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir led the assessment meeting.
The meeting included senior officials from different security departments. Israeli Air Force Chief Major General Omer Tishler attended the discussion.
Operations Directorate head Major General Itzik Cohen also joined the meeting. Intelligence Directorate chief Major General Shlomi Binder participated as well.
