Yaniv Hayun, a passenger who helped subdue an individual aboard a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, was met by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his return to Israel. Netanyahu shared a video of the meeting, which showed Hayun with bloodstains on his shirt from the incident.
According to Israeli officials, the suspect, identified as a pilot, allegedly stabbed the co-pilot, Capt. Smit Machchhar, and took control of FlyDubai Flight 1073. Investigators stated the suspect intended to crash the aircraft.
Hayun described the event, recounting a sharp nosedive that threw passengers forward. He and other passengers intervened, with Hayun reportedly placing the attacker in a chokehold and removing him from the cockpit. Hayun then briefly took control of the plane's flight path before a third pilot assumed command.
The aircraft was diverted and landed in Saudi Arabia, where passengers disembarked. Capt. Machchhar received medical treatment for his injuries, and the suspect was taken into custody.
During their meeting, Hayun told Netanyahu that entering Israeli airspace under the suspect's control would have had dire consequences.