Israeli Passengers Recount Heroic Mid-Air Plane Rescue

Four Israelis who intervened to prevent an attack on a Flydubai flight have spoken publicly for the first time about the incident, according to Israeli news portal Ynet. Among them, 47-year-old dentist Dr. Shota Musaev described the events from his home in Rishon Le Zion, stating he acted as he was taught by his doctor parents. "I am from a family of doctors... I knew what to do when there is a wounded person near me. My wife wanted to hold me back, but I saw three heroes running towards the cockpit and realized I had to be with them," Musaev recounted. He added that the injured pilot, who had lost a lot of blood, expressed a desire to survive. Musaev managed to stop the bleeding and stabilize the pilot's condition, fearing he might not survive until landing.

Musaev highlighted several coincidences that aided the rescue, including a girl who heard the commotion while going to the restroom and the presence of a relief crew on board. He now considers fellow rescuers Yaniv Hayon, Zvika Manes, and Assaf Rajuan his "second family," with whom he formed a WhatsApp group after the "historic event." He also praised the Saudi authorities for their assistance after the emergency landing, noting that medical personnel attended to the injured and provided support to the children.

Musaev, originally from Georgia and a graduate of Tbilisi State Medical University, reflected on the event the morning after, spending time with his family and beginning to grasp its magnitude. He emphasized that every participant contributed to saving the passengers. Yaniv Hayon, 38, a plumber from Ness Ziona, humorously addressed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about a "strong Israeli plumber" involved in the rescue, confirming his profession and stating he did not find the remarks offensive.

Israeli security services are continuing their investigation into the incident on Flydubai flight FZ1073, en route to Tel Aviv. Preliminary findings suggest the co-pilot from Oman attempted to crash the plane, leading to a physical confrontation with the captain from the UAE.