Trump Praises Israeli Passenger Who Thwarted Dubai Flight Attack

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with reporters Wednesday about the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight, praising the quick thinking of an Israeli passenger who subdued the perpetrator. Trump stated he had "extensively" discussed the incident with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "It appears the co-pilot was a terrorist, or perhaps just crazy," Trump commented.

The President lauded the passenger, identified as an Israeli plumber named Yaniv Hayun, for his bravery. According to Trump's account, Hayun noticed the unfolding situation and heard screams as the plane plunged sharply, tearing parts from its rear. "He pulled the guy out of the pilot's seat, threw him backward, and the mob took over, the passengers grabbed him," Trump recounted. "Even though he had never flown a plane, he grabbed the stick, pulled it up, and stabilized the aircraft just before it crashed." Trump acknowledged this was the story he heard and was unsure of its complete accuracy but found it "amazing."

Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu met Hayun at Ben Gurion Airport. Hayun described the terrifying moments, recalling screams and lights going out before he saw a man in a white shirt at the door. He recounted pushing the door open, noting the pilot was injured but had managed to open it before collapsing. Hayun then saw the attacker at the controls between the seats, attempting to disable the aircraft as it nosedived. He grabbed and choked the attacker, pulling him away while calling for help from two other passengers. Hayun then pulled back on the controls, arresting the plane's dive, and the co-pilot took control. Hayun mentioned seeing a "Aviation in Investigation" sign, implying the co-pilot was aware of the situation.