Yaniou Hayoun, a 50-year-old Israeli passenger, has been recognized as a national hero. Along with three other passengers, he helped save the pilot of Fly Dubai flight FZ1073, who was attacked by the co-pilot. The flight was returning to Tel Aviv when it suddenly faced an unexpected attack.
Details of the Incident
During the flight, the co-pilot attacked the pilot with a knife, causing the plane to descend sharply. Hayoun, who was on the flight with his family, including his wife and two daughters, immediately reacted to the scene of the incident. He recalled that in those critical moments, a woman screamed that the pilot was under attack, prompting him to head towards the cockpit.
Read more: Sanctioning 10 Individuals and Entities for Supplying Weapons to Iran
Hayoun said about this: "We knew an attack was happening because a woman was screaming 'knife' and the plane was shaking violently. At that moment, I ran towards the cockpit, and suddenly the plane dropped down." With the help of several other passengers, he was able to subdue the attacking co-pilot and take control of the aircraft.
Rescue Operation
After the attack, another pilot, whom the passengers referred to as James, took control of the flight and, with the help of Hayoun and other passengers, was able to land the plane safely in Saudi Arabia. During a conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, Hayoun discussed the details of the incident and how he managed to respond in a crisis. He told Netanyahu that the injured pilot had likely been able to open the door when he was severely injured.
After the successful landing of the plane, Yaniou Hayoun and the other passengers were praised. The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, announced that he had nominated Hayoun for the Presidential Award as a civilian hero. Additionally, other passengers who played a role in the rescue, including Tzvika Mans, an Israeli banking executive, and shooter Musiaf, a doctor who assisted the injured pilot, were also recognized as heroes.
This event not only saved the lives of those on board the plane but also highlighted the importance of preparedness and quick response in critical situations. Hayoun said about this: "I am not a hero. This is something you do without thinking, for the sake of saving your loved ones."
Read more: Commercial flight from Dubai to Israel made an emergency landing due to pilot conflict · Syria: Launch of Syrian Air flights to Copenhagen and the challenges ahead
