Flydubai flight diverted to Saudi Arabia following mid-air incident

A Flydubai flight operating between Dubai and Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk International Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia on Thursday following an in-flight emergency declaration, the airline said.

The aircraft landed safely at the Saudi facility after the crew reported an unspecified incident while en route to Israel. Flydubai, the budget carrier owned by Dubai's government, provided limited details about the nature of the emergency that prompted the diversion.

The incident marks a notable occurrence for the airline, which has operated services to Tel Aviv following the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel in 2020. Such diversions remain relatively uncommon on this route.

Flydubai did not immediately disclose details regarding the number of passengers and crew aboard the aircraft or provide information about subsequent travel arrangements for those on board. Further investigation into the circumstances of the incident is expected.