Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised passenger Yaniv Hayoun after he helped restrain an alleged attacker and assist in regaining control of a Flydubai aircraft during a mid-air emergency.
Hayoun, an Israeli plumber travelling on Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, rushed towards the cockpit after noticing that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude. The incident reportedly began after the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar.
As the aircraft descended rapidly, Hayoun entered the cockpit and helped pull the alleged attacker away from the controls. He reportedly restrained the man in a chokehold before briefly taking hold of the aircraft’s controls and pulling them back to help level the plane.
An off-duty pilot travelling on the flight then took over the controls. Other passengers and crew members also helped restrain the alleged attacker.
Flight diverted to Saudi Arabia
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Captain Machchhar sustained injuries in the alleged cockpit attack and was later taken for medical treatment.
Hayoun and the other passengers eventually returned to Israel. He later met Netanyahu, who praised him for his quick response during the emergency.
Hayoun arrived at the meeting wearing the same shirt he had worn during the incident. Blood stains from the ordeal were still visible on it.
‘I watch Mayday’
During the meeting, Netanyahu asked Hayoun how he knew what to do when he entered the cockpit.
“I watch ‘Mayday’,” Hayoun replied, referring to the documentary series that examines aviation accidents and emergencies.
Hayoun explained that watching the programme had given him some understanding of how aircraft respond during emergency situations. That knowledge prompted him to pull the controls backwards when he reached the cockpit.
The incident saw several passengers and crew members step in as the aircraft faced a potentially dangerous situation, while the injured Indian captain and an off-duty pilot also played key roles in helping the flight reach safety.
