Arab media reactions to flydubai hijacking attempt mixed between cautious, sensational
In the first hours of Arab media coverage, a clear divide emerged. As reports spread beyond Dubai, additional and increasingly serious claims emerged.
Following the hijacking attempt off flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Arab media coverage was diverse and initially cautious. Emirati news organizations, such as Gulf News, reported that the aircraft changed its route but landed safely in Saudi Arabia with all passengers unharmed. Khaleej Times, Al Bayan, Al Khaleej, and Al Emarat Al Youm echoed this cautious tone, reporting the airline's official statement and emphasizing the safe landing. Initial coverage did not confirm claims of a hijacking or a suicide attempt.
The tone of reporting shifted as the story spread beyond Dubai. Al-Quds Al-Arabi claimed that a fight between the pilots had taken place, triggering an alert in Israel. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed went further, adding that an alleged suicide attempt by one of the pilots had also occurred, though they stressed the investigation was ongoing.
RT Arabic, a Russian state-controlled media outlet, reported that Israeli sources indicated one pilot attempted to crash the aircraft, though they clarified the claims were based on Israeli media reports, not official statements. Some outlets, like Al-Quds Al-Arabi, cited Israeli sources, pushing for more dramatic reporting. However, Flydubai and Saudi authorities have not officially confirmed the latest versions of events, treating them as investigated claims.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- A history of Palestinian Arab plane hijacking. israelnationalnews.com
