Fight between pilots reportedly triggers hijacking code on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

A passenger flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv reportedly diverted to Saudi Arabia after a fight between pilots in the cockpit triggered a hijacking code, according to a report by Anadolu Agency.

The aircraft, which had been scheduled to land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, instead landed in Saudi Arabia after the incident, the report said. Further details about the airline involved, the number of passengers on board, and the specific circumstances of the altercation between the pilots were not immediately available.

Hijacking codes are typically transmitted by aircrews to alert air traffic control and security authorities to a potential security threat on board, prompting heightened responses from aviation and security agencies along the flight path. It remains unclear whether any arrests or formal investigations have been initiated in connection with the incident.

Aviation authorities in the countries involved have not issued detailed public statements confirming the exact sequence of events. Incidents involving cockpit disputes between flight crew members are uncommon and, when they escalate to triggering emergency codes, typically prompt regulatory scrutiny of the airline's crew resource management procedures.

Passengers on board the flight were reportedly safe following the unscheduled landing, though the airline has not issued a detailed public statement on the incident.