Passenger Recounts Harrowing Hijacking Attempt on Flydubai Flight
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Passenger Ader Hayut described a terrifying hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight where a hijacker attacked the cockpit. Hayut, a medical student, helped subdue the attacker with other passengers after the plane experienced severe turbulence. The flight crew's actions later raised suspicion, but passengers regained control. The couple, recently engaged, is still processing the trauma from the incident.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Passenger Ader Hayut recounted a hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight where he helped subdue the attacker.
- The flight experienced severe turbulence and erratic movements, causing panic among passengers.
- Hayut, a medical student, assisted in restraining the hijacker with zip ties.
- Flight attendants reportedly attempted to loosen the restraints, causing further suspicion.
- The couple, recently engaged, is still dealing with the psychological trauma from the event.
Ader Hayut, a passenger and medical student, described the terror he experienced on a Flydubai flight two weeks ago when a hijacker attacked the cockpit. Hayut and his fiancée, Michal, had become engaged during a trip to Japan and were on the flight after being moved from an earlier one. The flight suddenly began to bank erratically, causing panic among passengers. Hayut, initially believing it was a mechanical failure, tried to calm those around him. He recalled telling Michal, "Honey, I love you," fearing they would die separately.
As the plane plunged sharply, Hayut realized it was not a malfunction but a deliberate attack. He heard Tali Mans, wife of another passenger involved in subduing the hijacker, calling for help. When a flight attendant appeared distressed after reaching the cockpit, Hayut suspected an attack. He then heard that the pilots had been incapacitated and that the hijacker was among the passengers.
Hayut, identifying himself as a medical student, went to the cockpit to assist. He found one pilot bleeding and the hijacker subdued but still armed with a knife. Along with other passengers, including Assaf Radwan and Yaniv, Hayut helped restrain the hijacker with zip ties, ensuring they were tightened to prevent escape. However, flight attendants then reportedly attempted to loosen the restraints, raising suspicion among the passengers.
Hayut and other passengers confronted the flight attendants, eventually regaining control and informing the other passengers that the situation was under control with a pilot flying the plane. Despite the immediate threat being neutralized, the couple and other passengers remained fearful, suspecting potential accomplices or explosives until the plane landed safely. Both Hayut and Michal are still dealing with the trauma, experiencing nightmares and difficulty concentrating, and have not yet celebrated their engagement.
