flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv: Why did hijack fear emerge, what exactly happened

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted towards Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, 30 September, prompting reports of a possible hijacking. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said it is not one.

The diversion “is not believed to be a hijacking incident”, a spokesperson for the office told Reuters.

Why did it feel like a hijack?

According to media reports, the flydubai Boeing 737 MAX declared an emergency and turned back over northern Saudi Arabia. The plane was flying from the United Arab Emirates to Israel and was diverted from its original path.

What was the response?

Hebrew media reported that Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled towards the plane over concerns of a hijacking. The Israeli Air Force has not yet given an official comment on the scrambling of jets.

Are leaders discussing it?

Netanyahu is holding consultations over the diverted flight, three Israeli security officials said. An Israeli source said the plane is expected to land in Saudi Arabia shortly, after which the situation will become clearer.

Shortly after the emergency was declared, a spokesperson for Netanyahu’s office said the incident is not a hijacking and that there was no hijacking scare.