A commercial plane traveling from Dubai to Israel is diverted to Saudi Arabia after a distress call

A commercial flight from Dubai to Israel had to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, causing temporary alarm about a potential hijacking. Israeli media reported that the incident was due to a dispute between the plane's two pilots, ensuring all passengers were safe. The FlyDubai Boeing 737 Max 8 transmitted an emergency alert, descending from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet within a minute before making a rapid, erratic circle near the Jordanian border before landing in Tabuk, a military base.

Israeli warplanes were scrambled, fearing a hijacking. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been warning of heightened security threats. Israeli media cited security officials, confirming the situation was under control with Israel working to return the passengers. Passengers mentioned hearing voices from passengers ahead who witnessed the cockpit dispute, and the plane's descent before landing.

FlyDubai confirmed the incident, stating that their teams are in close coordination with authorities and would provide further updates as details become available.