FlyDubai flight carrying Israeli passengers, transferred after a Saudi emergency landing, approaches Ben Gurion Airport on Sept. 30, 2026.

FlyDubai’s aircraft carrying Israeli passengers is on final approach to Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. The passengers had been moved to this flight after a separate FlyDubai plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia earlier in the day.

Background

The earlier emergency landing involved a FlyDubai flight that diverted to Saudi Arabian airspace for safety reasons. Saudi authorities facilitated the landing and coordinated the safe disembarkation of all occupants. Passengers were subsequently transferred to another FlyDubai service bound for Israel.

Emergency landings, while uncommon, follow established international protocols. They require prompt communication between the airline, the aircraft’s crew, and the air traffic control units of the landing country. Once the aircraft reaches a suitable airport, ground crews assess any technical issues before allowing passengers to continue their journey on a replacement flight.

Current status

The replacement FlyDubai plane, now approaching Ben Gurion, carries the same group of Israeli travelers who were on the diverted flight. The aircraft is on a standard descent path and is expected to land shortly. Airport officials have prepared the runway and are ready to receive the flight.

Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s main gateway, routinely handles a high volume of regional traffic. The airport’s operations team confirmed that the runway is clear and that all standard landing procedures are in place for the incoming FlyDubai aircraft.

Airlines typically issue updates to passengers during such disruptions, providing information on new departure times, gate assignments, and any required security checks. While the exact reason for the Saudi emergency landing has not been disclosed, the swift transfer of passengers and the seamless continuation of their journey underscore the effectiveness of international aviation safety cooperation.

Authorities in both Saudi Arabia and Israel have not reported any injuries or further incidents related to the incident. The FlyDubai flight is expected to touch down within minutes, concluding the day's unexpected routing for the Israeli travelers.