Milan, 30 Sept. (LaPresse) – A commercial aircraft flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv has just sent out an emergency signal. The Times of Israel reports that, according to flight tracking data, the flydubai flight initially sent a ‘squawk code’ of 7700, an international distress signal, and shortly afterwards transmitted the code 7500, which indicates a hijacking or unlawful interference. However, a security source quoted by Ynet reported that “there is no confirmed information regarding a hijacking; the pilot has activated a distress signal”. According to security sources, Israeli Air Force fighter jets have taken off in pursuit of the aircraft. Local media report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defence Minister are holding emergency consultations. According to the Times of Israel, there are 180 passengers on board the flight, and the aircraft is expected to land shortly in Saudi Arabia. Israeli security sources have reported that, once the aircraft lands, the authorities will be able to gain a clearer picture of what has happened.
Middle East: emergency reported on flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv; Israeli jets take off
Milan, 30 Sept. (LaPresse) – A commercial aircraft flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv has just sent out an emergency signal. The Times of Israel reports that, according to flight tracking data, the flydubai flight initially sent a ‘squawk code’ of 7700, an international distress signal, and shortly afterwards transmitted the code 7500, which indicates a hijacking or unlawful interference. However, a security source quoted by Ynet reported that “there is no confirmed information regarding a hijacking; the pilot has activated a distress signal”. According to security sources, Israeli Air Force fighter jets have taken off in pursuit of the aircraft. Local media report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defence Minister are holding emergency consultations. According to the Times of Israel, there are 180 passengers on board the flight, and the aircraft is expected to land shortly in Saudi Arabia. Israeli security sources have reported that, once the aircraft lands, the authorities will be able to gain a clearer picture of what has happened.