flydubai's Boeing 737-800. Photo: Achia Balmes The flight, which took off from Dubai at 07:00, was scheduled to land in Tel Aviv around 09:30. Shortly after entering Jordanian airspace, the flight was diverted and returned to Saudi Arabia, where it landed about an hour later at Tabuk Airport. Ben Gurion Airport is operating as usual.
Initial assessments indicate that this was a violent incident on the plane, and according to several reports, it was a fight between the pilots that led to the activation of a panic button. According to security sources, one of the pilots lost consciousness during the incident.
The Boeing 737MAX8 plane, carrying about 150 passengers, had previously flown at low altitude over Saudi Arabia. Air Force jets were scrambled to ensure that it was not a security incident.
An IDF spokesman said: "Following reports, the Chief of Staff has in recent minutes conducted a situation assessment with the Air Force Commander, Chief of the Air Force, Chief of the Intelligence Directorate and other commanders."
The Ministry of Transportation stated: "Transportation Minister Miri Regev conducted a situation assessment with all parties and is closely monitoring the incident, which is being handled by security forces."
The company's response will be provided when received.