Netanyahu Meets Flydubai Passenger Who Helped Save 174 People
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Yaniv Hayoun, a passenger credited with helping regain control of the flydubai flight after its captain was attacked. Hayoun entered the cockpit, helped restrain the co-pilot and briefly handled the controls before crew members took over and safely diverted the aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
The intervention by Hayoun, wounded Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, other passengers and crew helped avert a potential catastrophe involving 174 people. Netanyahu called Hayoun a “hero” during their meeting at Ben Gurion Airport.
The investigation is continuing into the co-pilot’s motive and how the attack occurred. Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel while the investigation proceeds, and Israel says it will increase security checks on pilots flying into the country.
30 Sept: Flight leaves Dubai
Captain Smit Machchhar attacked
Aircraft rapidly loses altitude
Hayoun and others enter cockpit and restrain attacker
Crew lands safely in Tabuk
Netanyahu meets Hayoun at Ben Gurion Airport.
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1. Associated PressView Original
