Passengers Subdue Pilot in 'Hijacking' Attempt on Flydubai Flight; Israeli President to Award Heroes

Passengers aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday overpowered a pilot who stabbed his co-pilot, preventing what authorities are investigating as a potential hijacking attempt. The aircraft experienced a significant loss of altitude during the commotion before passengers and off-duty pilots regained control and diverted the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

One of the passengers, Asaf Rajuan, captured a video pleading for help as blood dripped from his forehead. He later expressed relief and triumph, capturing a moment on video where he punched the air and exclaimed, 'Yay, we won!' to cheering passengers.

Rajuan described the event as instinctual, stating, "This is something you do without thinking, just running to save your daughter's life, your family's life." He recounted feeling helpless mid-air but driven by a primal urge to survive and protect others.

Heroic Actions Recognized

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he would present "heroism" awards to five Israeli passengers who played key roles in subduing the assailant and stabilizing the aircraft. Among the recipients are Rajuan and Yaniv Hayoun, a truck driver who, inspired by airplane documentaries, helped control the plane as it plunged. Hayoun stated he pulled the controls back for a few seconds to level the aircraft.

Another honoree, Tali Manes, was the first to alert passengers to the commotion in the cockpit. Her husband, Zvika Manes, was among the first to enter the cockpit and help subdue the pilot. Dr. Shota Musaev provided critical medical aid to the injured flight captain.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally welcomed Hayoun upon his return to Israel and praised the Indian pilot, Smit Machchha, for his actions. Machchha, despite being stabbed, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. Netanyahu stated that Machchha "saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals."

Machchha is reported to be in stable condition and receiving medical attention in Tabuk.

Investigation Underway

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that preliminary information suggested the co-pilot intended to crash the plane, labeling him a terrorist. Prime Minister Netanyahu described the incident as a "serious security incident." Israel is cooperating with Saudi officials in the investigation, with Netanyahu stating that they would "get to the root of this attacker, whether he had accomplices, whether Iran was behind it."

There have been no official suggestions from Israel regarding Iranian involvement at this stage of the investigation.