Herzog Honors Flydubai Passengers and Pilot for Averting Air Disaster
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Israeli President Isaac Herzog awarded the "Civil Courage Medal" to six Israeli passengers and the Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight for their actions in preventing an aerial disaster. The passengers and pilot intervened when an attacker assaulted the pilot in the cockpit during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Their bravery allowed the plane to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with all 174 passengers safe. Herzog praised their decisive actions and the spirit of civil courage they displayed.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- President Herzog awarded six Israeli passengers and an Indian pilot the "Civil Courage Medal" for averting an air disaster.
- The honorees intervened when an attacker assaulted the pilot in the cockpit of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- Their actions allowed the pilot to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to subdue the assailant.
- The plane, carrying 174 passengers, made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with no fatalities.
- President Herzog emphasized the importance of civil courage and decisive action in moments of extreme danger.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday honored six Israeli passengers and the Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight with the "Civil Courage Medal" for their bravery in preventing a major aerial catastrophe. The ceremony took place at the President's residence in Jerusalem, where Herzog praised the actions of the passengers and pilot, emphasizing the split-second decisions required to save lives.
Among those honored were Tali Mins, who first noticed the incident and called for help, along with Yaniv Hayun, Zvika Mins, Or Bradelov, and Assaf Ragavan, who intervened to subdue the attacker in the cockpit. Dr. Shota Musaev was also recognized for assisting in restraining the assailant and providing medical aid to the injured pilot.
President Herzog specifically commended the Indian captain, Sumit Machhar, for confronting the attacker despite his injuries and managing to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Herzog stated that the incident demanded immediate action without time for planning, highlighting that in such moments, human solidarity and the duty to save others take precedence over societal divisions.
He affirmed that the actions of the honorees prevented a "major aerial disaster" with potentially wide-ranging implications for Israel and the region. Herzog also stressed the public's right to clear answers regarding the circumstances of the incident, stating that the medal recognizes not only the saving of lives but also the "spirit of civil courage" and the ability to act decisively in dangerous situations.
The medal was awarded based on the recommendation of a special committee headed by retired Israeli Supreme Court Vice President Elyakim Rubinstein. The incident occurred on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a crew member attacked the pilot in the cockpit, causing the plane to lose altitude. According to the Israeli account, Captain Machhar confronted the attacker and opened the cockpit door, after which Israeli passengers intervened and subdued him. The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Herzog noted that 174 passengers arrived safely at their destination due to the honorees' actions, expressing his admiration for their courage on behalf of the State of Israel. He had informed the honorees the previous week of his intention to recommend them for the award.
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