Plumber Recounts Heroic Actions Aboard Hijacked Flydubai Flight

Yaniv Hayun, a plumber by profession and one of the heroes of a recent Flydubai flight, detailed his experience on the "Meet the Press" program. Hayun described how he intervened when a hijacker attempted to take control of the cockpit. He recounted hearing screams about stabbings and then the plane beginning to shake violently and veer off course. Hayun rushed towards the cockpit, where he found a crew member struggling with the door. He managed to open the door, discovering the Indian pilot on the floor and the hijacker attempting to damage the aircraft's instruments.

Hayun stated that he briefly took control of the plane's yoke, pulling up the nose to prevent a crash as he saw the ground approaching. He explained that after a few seconds, a new pilot entered the cockpit and took control. Hayun and other passengers then subdued and tied up the hijacker. He noted that the hijacker, upon realizing his attempt had failed, asked to be killed. Hayun also mentioned that initially, there was confusion in Israel, with reports suggesting a fight between pilots rather than a terror attack.

Following the incident, Hayun's phone has been inundated with thousands of calls and messages. He expressed that while he is considered a hero, he acted out of necessity to save lives. He also shared that he was not offered any compensation for the incident. Hayun, who served in the kitchen during his military service, is eager to return to work, humorously noting his "upgraded plumber" truck is ready. He admitted to being afraid on a subsequent Flydubai flight and questioned the security checks for pilots.