Israeli Passenger Recounts Dramatic Cockpit Struggle on Flydubai Flight

Yaniv Hayun, an Israeli passenger on a Flydubai flight, described the harrowing moments when he realized a serious incident was unfolding in the cockpit. Sitting in seat 11A, Hayun recounted that after the plane began to shake violently and swerve erratically, he initially thought it was a passenger altercation. However, he soon understood the threat was in the cockpit and rushed towards it. Before reaching the cockpit door, a severe dive threw him to the floor, pinning him down.

Once he managed to move, Hayun opened the cockpit door to find an assailant kneeling over the flight controls, attempting to damage the equipment. Hayun immediately tackled the assailant, grabbing him by the throat and engaging in a struggle. Other Israeli passengers joined the effort, and at one point, Hayun took control of the aircraft's yoke. The pilot intervened, taking over the controls, while Hayun returned to help subdue the assailant.

Hayun stated that passengers divided tasks during the incident, with some men positioning themselves near the flight attendants in the rear of the plane due to a lack of trust. Towards the end of the flight, as the assailant realized his plan had failed, he spoke in English, saying, "Kill me." Hayun confirmed he did not see any weapons on the assailant and that other passengers were responsible for tying him up.