Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv squawks hijack code, Israeli jets scrambled

A Flydubai Boeing 737 passenger aircraft operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv triggered high-level security protocols after transmitting emergency squawk code 7700 followed by code 7500, which designates a suspected hijacking. 

Following the transponder alert, communication with the flight crew was lost, and the aircraft altered its trajectory, turning away from Israeli airspace. The Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets in response to the potential airborne threat. Operations at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport were temporarily halted, affecting all inbound and outbound flights. Approximately 180 passengers are reported to be aboard the aircraft. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz convened urgent consultations with senior military and defense officials to monitor the unfolding situation.

N. Tebrizli