New visuals from inside a flydubai aircraft have captured moments of panic and confusion among passengers after a confrontation in the cockpit triggered a hijacking scare and forced the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight to divert to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The footage shows passengers moving through the cabin, looking distressed and trying to understand what was happening. Screams and cries can also be heard in the background.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was operating as flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv with around 180 passengers on board. The aircraft later landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northern Saudi Arabia.
Videos recorded after the landing showed Israeli passengers chanting “Od Avinu Chai”, meaning “Our Father still lives”, as they expressed relief following the incident.
Emergency codes trigger hijacking scare
Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft first transmitted the international emergency code ‘7700’, indicating a general emergency. Seconds later, it transmitted ‘7500’, a code used to indicate suspected unlawful interference with an aircraft, including a possible hijacking.
The aircraft also experienced a sharp descent, reportedly dropping from around 34,000 feet to approximately 16,600 feet within just over two minutes. The exact reason for the sudden change in altitude has not been established.
Reports said fighter jets were scrambled after the emergency signals were received.
Reports of cockpit confrontation
According to reports, the emergency was linked to a physical confrontation between the captain and co-pilot. Israeli journalist Amit Segal reported that the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain, although details of the incident have not been independently confirmed.
A passenger identified as Miriam told Reuters that she heard screams coming from the cockpit around two hours into the flight. She said that when the cockpit door opened, she saw one of the pilots injured.
Other reports have made additional claims about the circumstances that led to the confrontation, including an alleged attempt to take control of the aircraft. These details remain unverified and are subject to investigation.
Additional pilots reportedly helped land aircraft
Reports said that two other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped operate the flight after the cockpit incident and assisted in bringing the aircraft safely to Tabuk.
The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia, bringing the emergency to an end without reported loss of life.
Flydubai has confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that passengers were safe and accounted for. The exact circumstances surrounding the cockpit confrontation and the emergency signals remain under investigation.