Captain, co-pilot injured after Dubai-Tel Aviv flight makes emergency landing in Saudi Arabia

An unspecified number of injuries were reported when a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, airport authorities said.

Around 150 passengers were on board Flight FZ1073 which diverted to Tabuk after sending out emergency signals on its way to Israel. Flight-tracking data showed the plane sent a general emergency signal, followed by one indicating possible unlawful interference.

An Israeli official told Reuters the emergency signals were sent after a physical fight between the two pilots. Details of the fight were not immediately clear.

Flydubai said the Boeing 737 had an “incident” on its way to Tel Aviv and landed safely in Tabuk. All passengers were safe and well. “Our teams are working closely with the relevant authorities. Further updates will be issued as additional confirmed details become available,” the airline said.

The emergency signals led to fears of a possible hijacking and Israel scrambled fighter jets. The incident was not believed to be a hijacking, an Israeli official later said. Investigations into the incident were ongoing.