Dubai Air flight FZ1073 hijack scare traced to cockpit fight between pilots

Dubai Air flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, triggered serious alarm during the flight after transmitting the general emergency code 7700 and the unlawful interference or hijacking code 7500, while also making a sharp descent over Saudi Arabia. Israeli authorities initially treated the situation as a possible hijacking and scrambled fighter jets before the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. After landing, Dubai Air said an "incident" had taken place during the flight and confirmed that all passengers had disembarked safely and completed identity checks. Israeli authorities later moved away from the theory of an external hijacking or security attack. Israeli Channel 13 reported that the event stemmed from an argument between the two pilots inside the cockpit that escalated into a physical confrontation. CNN, citing sources, described the clash as "violent." Reuters, citing an unnamed Israeli official, said the emergency signals were sent after the altercation, though it remains unclear whether either pilot intentionally activated the codes. Channel 13 also reported that Saudi authorities had taken the two pilots in for investigation. A preliminary assessment said one was Russian or of Russian origin, while the other was Ukrainian or of Ukrainian origin.