Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly thanked four passengers for helping to subdue a co-pilot who attempted to hijack a FlyDubai flight en route to Israel. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, two hours into the flight’s journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, identified as Yaniv Hayun, stabbed another pilot and tried to take control of the aircraft. The plane descended over 17,000 feet during the attack before passengers and crew managed to overpower the assailant.
Netanyahu met with one of the passengers, Yaniv Hayun, who played a key role in subduing the attacker. The prime minister emphasized that the situation was still under investigation and that the motive behind the attack remains unclear. He also announced that Israeli President Isaac Herzog will present "heroism" awards to the four individuals who acted to prevent the disaster.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation security, particularly in light of recent reports of cockpit-related incidents. A FlyDubai pilot, Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed during the attack, had previously issued a warning about potential threats months before the incident. The Australian couple on board, from Sydney’s east, were among the passengers who witnessed the unfolding crisis.
This event follows a series of similar incidents involving cockpit attacks, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures on international flights. The Israeli government has not yet released further details on the suspect’s identity or the full circumstances of the attack.
