Four passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel are being recognized for their bravery after they helped prevent a potential disaster on board. Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced his intention to recommend Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Zvika Manes, and Asaf Rajuan for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Their quick actions during an in-flight emergency helped protect the lives of everyone on board.
The incident unfolded when a confrontation erupted in the cockpit, resulting in one pilot attacking the other. The four passengers sprang into action; Hayoun, Manes, and Rajuan worked to restrain the attacker, while Hayoun also assisted with the aircraft’s controls. Dr. Musayev provided crucial medical assistance to the injured pilot, ensuring his well-being until the aircraft could make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
President Herzog praised the passengers for their courageous response, emphasizing that their actions were instrumental in safeguarding the aircraft and its passengers. He also expressed gratitude to the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, for his decisive actions during the incident.
Herzog stated that he would present the actions of these passengers to the advisory committee responsible for selecting recipients of the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, highlighting the importance of their bravery in preventing a potential tragedy.