Plumber Who Saved Dubai Flight Praised by Trump, Herzog

An Israeli plumber, Yaniv Hayun, was identified by U.S. President Donald Trump as one of the heroes who saved a flight from Dubai after its co-pilot attacked the pilot and caused the plane to dive sharply. Trump recounted the "amazing" story to reporters, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told him about Hayun, who "managed despite all the conditions to pull the steering wheel." Trump added, "When you lift pipes all day you have to be strong." Hayun, who is ranked highly on the Israeli professional services website "Midrag," was also praised by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Midrag also identified another passenger, insurance agent Assaf Radwan, who helped subdue the co-pilot, as a highly-rated professional on their site. Radwan described the harrowing experience to N12 News, recounting how screams alerted passengers to the unfolding crisis and that the plane was descending at a 90-degree angle. He explained that he, along with other passengers including Tzviya Mans and Dr. Shota Musayev, entered the cockpit after seeing it fill with blood and managed to overpower the assailant.

Dr. Musayev provided medical treatment to the severely injured pilot, stabilizing him until the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Mans described the event as feeling like "the end of life" and believed it was a terrorist attack. He recounted the struggle to restrain the co-pilot, which lasted between twenty to thirty minutes, and expressed relief at the outcome.

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Hayun upon his return to Israel, calling him a "great hero." Hayun explained his actions, stating he performed a chokehold on the assailant and pulled him out of the cockpit, then called for other Israelis to help him control the plane's steering. He told Netanyahu he knew how to operate the aircraft because he "sees aviation in an investigation."

President Herzog announced his intention to recommend Hayun, Radwan, Mans, and Dr. Musayev for the "President's Award for Civil Heroism." Herzog also spoke with Mans' wife, Tali, and informed her of his intention to include her husband's name. The President also thanked the Indian pilot, Matchear, for his actions which enabled the neutralization of the co-pilot and saved many lives. Dr. Musayev emphasized that the heroism was shared by everyone who approached the cockpit area.