Fighter Jets Scrambled After 'Code 7500' Emergency Signal; Dubai-to-Tel Aviv Flight Dives Off Course

A commercial passenger plane traveling from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Tel Aviv, Israel, changed course and transmitted an emergency signal while flying over Saudi Arabia, raising concerns of a hijacking, Israeli media reported on September 30 (local time).

According to flight tracking data, the flydubai passenger aircraft initially transmitted "Squawk Code 7700," the international emergency signal.

However, shortly afterward, the signal was changed and transmitted as "Code 7500," which signifies an aircraft hijacking or unlawful interference.

Local security sources reported that Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled toward the aircraft.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz are reportedly holding an emergency response meeting.

It is reported that about 180 passengers are on board the aircraft.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.