Israeli Passenger Recounts Harrowing Mid-Air Struggle on Flydubai Flight

Yaniv Hayun, an Israeli passenger aboard a Flydubai flight, has detailed the terrifying moments of an attempted hijacking, describing how he and other passengers subdued an attacker who stabbed the pilot and caused the plane to dive.

Hayun recounted that the ordeal began about an hour before the flight's scheduled landing in Israel, when he heard a woman screaming about stabbings. Initially mistaking it for a passenger dispute, he soon realized the gravity of the situation. As he got up, the plane lurched violently to the left before leveling out. Hayun shouted to his wife and daughters to buckle up and rushed towards the cockpit.

During his dash to the cockpit, the aircraft plunged sharply. Hayun was thrown sideways by the forces, convinced the plane was about to crash. He described thinking it was the end and wishing he could have a final hug with his family. When the plane stabilized slightly, he continued to the cockpit, finding the door held shut from the outside by a crew member. He pushed it open to find the pilot bleeding near the door, the cockpit covered in blood, and the attacker between the pilots' seats, hunched over the controls.

Hayun recounted grabbing the attacker by the throat and pulling him back, shouting for help. Several other Israeli passengers joined him, helping to remove and restrain the assailant. Seeing that the attacker was under control, Hayun noticed the plane was still unbalanced. With no flying experience, he lay on the pilot's seat and grabbed the controls, recalling advice from a TV show about pulling back on the yoke when the nose is down. He held the controls for only a few seconds until a crew member took over, communicating with air traffic control for assistance.

The injured pilot was removed from the cockpit, and passengers bound the attacker. Dr. Shota Musayev provided medical aid to the pilot. Hayun praised the pilot's bravery, noting the extensive blood and the struggle. Even after the attacker was neutralized, Hayun stated that the Israeli passengers remained vigilant, preventing a crew member from entering the cockpit until the situation was clarified. The passengers took charge, distrusting others until Hayun was assured the remaining crew could land the plane. The flight continued for about 50 minutes before landing safely in Saudi Arabia.

Following the landing, Hayun received a call from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. He has been in contact with the Shin Bet and has struggled with sleep since the incident, replaying the events. Hayun emphasized that the takeover was a group effort and expressed relief and pride that the attacker failed. While he won't be flying again soon, he affirmed he will fly in the future.