Heroism Averts Disaster on FlyDubai Flight

During an interview with Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about a violent incident on a FlyDubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The episode involved an alleged attacker attempting to crash the plane. Netanyahu praised the bravery of passengers, specifically Yaniv Chayon, who intervened to stabilize the situation.

Details of the Incident

Netanyahu recounted that the attacker tried to hijack the plane carrying over 100 people, including 30 children. He commended Chayon for his fearless actions, stating, “The passengers, including 30 children, are already saying their prayers. They know they’re gone from this world. And this young man just acts with incredible heroism and saves the day.” The prime minister emphasized that Chayon’s actions prevented a disaster akin to the 9/11 attacks.

According to the flight authorities, a pilot aboard the FlyDubai flight allegedly stabbed a fellow pilot. This incident is being treated as a suspected hijacking attempt. Despite severe injuries, the wounded captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker and regain control of the descending plane.

Response and Investigation

Netanyahu met with Chayon afterwards, expressing admiration for his courage under “impossible” circumstances. Haim Lazarovich, an Israeli passenger, was among the many who experienced the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

The prime minister attributed the attack to “hatred” and antisemitism, suggesting the attacker was influenced by harmful propaganda against Israel. Netanyahu remarked, “That’s fanaticism and hatred of an incalculable level.”

The injured captain, identified as Capt. Smit Machchhar, is in critical condition after suffering severe injuries. Despite bleeding profusely, he successfully unlocked the cockpit door to enable others to intervene. The aircraft dropped from 30,000 feet to 17,000 feet within a minute before safely landing in Saudi Arabia.

Ongoing Investigation

The alleged attacker was apprehended after the emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. He is reportedly an Omani national. FlyDubai has suspended all flights in and out of Israel amidst the ongoing investigation. Officials are trying to determine if the co-pilot acted alone and are examining his motives.

Netanyahu concluded with a statement highlighting the value of having an Israeli by your side during such crises: “Just think about it… If you’re next hijacked, make sure an Israeli is sitting next to you.”