Flydubai Flight To Tel Aviv Diverted To Saudi Arabia After Suspected Hijacking Alert

September 30, 2026

Dubai/Tel Aviv: A Flydubai passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a distress signal reportedly raised fears of a possible hijacking, prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets, according to media reports.

The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, changed course while approaching Israel and was subsequently diverted towards Saudi Arabia. Reports said the aircraft later landed at Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

Distress Signal Triggers Hijacking Fears

The Flydubai flight was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv when it reportedly transmitted an emergency signal that initially raised concerns about a possible hijacking.

According to reports, the aircraft was descending and then abruptly changed its course. The incident triggered a security response, with Israeli fighter jets reportedly scrambled after the distress signal was received. Reports also indicated that Saudi forces responded to the situation.

The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia instead of continuing towards Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu Holds Security Consultations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held high-level consultations following the incident, three Israeli security officials told Reuters, according to a report published by The Indian Express. An Israeli source said the aircraft was expected to land in Saudi Arabia, after which more details about the situation would become clear.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns across the Middle East, with several countries in the region maintaining heightened military alert levels.

Investigation Underway As Details Emerge

Initial reports focused on the possibility of a hijacking, but details surrounding the distress signal and the reason for the flight’s diversion remained unclear as of Wednesday.

The flight’s diversion to Saudi Arabia and the deployment of fighter aircraft have raised questions about what prompted the emergency response. Authorities were expected to establish whether the distress signal was linked to a security threat, a technical issue or another emergency.

Further details regarding the passengers, crew and circumstances that led to the diversion are awaited.