Flydubai FZ1073: Pilot dispute behind emergency as suicide-attempt report remains unconfirmed

Israeli security officials are now reportedly saying that the emergency involving flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was not a confirmed hijacking, with attention instead focusing on an apparent dispute between the two pilots.

The Boeing 737 MAX had triggered a major security response after first transmitting the general emergency code 7700 and then switching to 7500, the international transponder code associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.

The aircraft subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

All passengers and crew aboard the flight are reported to be safe.

Earlier Israeli reports, including from Channel 14, claimed that one pilot may have attempted to put the aircraft into a steep dive before the second pilot intervened and regained control.

Those more dramatic details — including reports of a possible suicide attempt, a descent from around 30,000 to 15,000 feet and speeds near Mach 1 — have not yet been officially confirmed by flydubai or Saudi authorities.

The precise circumstances of the cockpit incident remain under investigation.