Video: Passenger captures terrifying moment Flydubai flight rapidly loses altitude before Saudi diversion

A passenger aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv recorded video from inside the cabin as the aircraft suddenly lost altitude during a dramatic mid-air emergency on Wednesday.

Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 descending extremely rapidly before stabilizing and later making an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The aircraft initially transmitted emergency code 7700 before briefly switching to 7500, the aviation code indicating unlawful interference or a possible hijacking. The alert prompted Israeli fighter jets to be scrambled.

Officials said the emergency followed a violent altercation involving the pilots inside the cockpit. Israeli authorities are investigating the circumstances and possible motive.

The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia, and the passengers were reported unharmed.