Passenger Thwarts Mid-Air Attack
Television Show Helps Passenger Thwart Mid-Air Attack on Flydubai Flight
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Key Points
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The flight was FlyDubai flight FZ1073. Hayoun recalled that a woman screamed “stabbing” before the plane shook and began to dive.
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Passenger Tzvika Manes said he and others used airline earphones to tie up the co-pilot after subduing him.
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he would nominate Hayoun, Manes and Manes’ wife, Tali, for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
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Hayoun was traveling with his wife and two daughters; after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised him as “amazing.”
An Israeli passenger credits watching the Canadian TV series "Mayday" with helping him act fast when a FlyDubai co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain mid-flight. The Epoch Times reports that Yaniv Hayoun and other passengers on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv subdued the attacker and helped steady the aircraft, which landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Israeli President Isaac Herzog plans to nominate Hayoun and two other passengers for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
How a TV Show Helped Save the Flight
Yaniv Hayoun was traveling with his wife and two daughters when chaos erupted. Travel Industry Today says a woman screamed "stabbing" before the plane shook and began to dive. Hayoun recalled watching "Air Crash Investigation" — the show's international title — and knew he needed to act. He and other passengers overpowered the co-pilot and used airline earphones to tie him up, preventing further harm.
Hayoun then moved to the cockpit and pulled up the plane's unmanned controls to help stabilize the aircraft during the emergency. A second crew member assisted with landing. St. Albert Gazette notes the show examines real-life air disasters, which gave Hayoun practical knowledge he applied under extreme pressure. The plane touched down safely in Saudi Arabia with all passengers intact.
Heroism Recognized by Israeli Leadership
After landing at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, Hayoun met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called him "amazing." The Epoch Times reports that the Prime Minister publicly praised the passenger's quick thinking and bravery. Hayoun's actions have made him a symbol of civilian heroism in a moment of grave danger.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced plans to nominate Yaniv Hayoun, Tzvika Manes, and Tali Manes for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. The three passengers worked together to subdue the attacker and stabilize the flight. This recognition underscores the country's appreciation for their life-saving intervention during the in-flight emergency.
The Pilot's Role and the Show's Impact
CNN reports that the pilot's family is avoiding questions about the attack to prevent emotional "flashbacks." The pilot's quick decision to open the cockpit door proved crucial — it allowed passengers to reach the controls and help stabilize the aircraft. His actions enabled the emergency response that saved everyone on board.
While Hayoun credits "Mayday" with inspiring his response, the show's executive producer noted that the pilot's judgment was the decisive factor. The producer acknowledged the TV series connection but stressed that the captain's willingness to let passengers help was what truly made the difference. Both heroism and preparation played vital roles in the safe outcome.
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