Netanyahu Honors Dubai Flight Heroes, Taps Them for Independence Day Ceremony

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Thursday with four passengers who intervened during a hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The passengers, Yiniv Chayon, Or Pardilov, Dr. Shota Musayev, and his wife Sigalit, are credited with subduing the co-pilot who attacked the pilot and attempted to crash the plane. During the meeting at his office, Netanyahu announced that the four would be honored with civil heroism torches at the upcoming Independence Day ceremony.

Netanyahu heard firsthand accounts from the passengers about the dramatic events on the plane, detailing their struggle with the assailant pilot and their efforts to regain control. The Prime Minister stated that their quick thinking and decisive actions prevented a major disaster and saved the lives of many passengers.

He praised the individuals for their conduct, calling their story an example of Israeli civil heroism. "The whole world sees Israeli heroism. You will light a torch of civil heroism on Independence Day," Netanyahu declared, characterizing their actions during the dangerous moments as "supreme heroism, resourcefulness, and faith."

The incident occurred on a Flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv from Dubai when the co-pilot, identified as a terrorist, stabbed the pilot and tried to seize control of the aircraft. Several Israeli passengers managed to overpower the attacker, helping to restore control to the remaining crew. The plane ultimately landed safely in Saudi Arabia, and all passengers were rescued.