
Flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed safely in Saudi Arabia after transmitting emergency and unlawful interference codes.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after transmitting emergency and unlawful interference codes.
AI-generated summary
Flydubai flight FZ1073 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv before experiencing an in-flight emergency.
7.05am UAE time — Departure from Dubai
FZ1073 departs Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
The aircraft climbs to approximately 34,000 feet, according to Flightradar24.
9.21am — Sudden descent
The aircraft begins a pronounced descent, followed by a sharp climb and another steep descent.
By approximately 9.33am, it is flying at around 15,000 feet.
9.28am — Emergency code transmitted
The aircraft transmits 7700, the international transponder code for a general emergency, while flying near the Saudi-Jordanian border.
9.35am — Unlawful interference code
The transponder changes to 7500, the internationally recognised code for unlawful interference.
The aircraft then turns west, briefly enters Jordanian airspace and turns back towards Saudi Arabia.
As it approaches Tabuk, the transponder returns to 7700.
9.44am — Distress call received
Air traffic controllers in Tabuk receive a distress call from FZ1073 requesting an emergency landing.
This corresponds to 8.44am Saudi time.
10.45am UAE time — Emergency landing
FZ1073 lands safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk.
The landing occurred at 9.45am Saudi time.
The airport later said the captain and first officer had sustained injuries and were transferred to hospital for medical treatment.
10.58am — Flight tracking ends
Flightradar24 receives the aircraft’s final tracking signal at Tabuk airport.
6.40pm UAE time — Passengers leave Tabuk
All passengers subsequently depart on an alternative aircraft provided by flydubai, according to the Tabuk airport statement.
This corresponds to 5.40pm Saudi time.

Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after transmitting emergency and unlawful interference transponder codes.
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