Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced his intention to recommend four passengers for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism following their crucial intervention during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel. The passengers, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Zvika Manes, and Asaf Rajuan, played a key role in averting a potential disaster by subduing an attacker in the cockpit.
The incident unfolded when one pilot was attacked by the other, leading to a confrontation that prompted the passengers to act. Hayoun, Manes, and Rajuan managed to restrain the assailant, while Hayoun also assisted with the aircraft’s controls. Meanwhile, Dr. Musayev provided medical care to the injured pilot until the plane was able to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
President Herzog commended the passengers for their bravery and swift action, which he said helped ensure the safety of everyone on board. He praised their courage and expressed his gratitude to the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, for his role during the emergency.
Herzog stated that he would present the actions of the passengers to the advisory committee that evaluates candidates for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, highlighting their significant contribution to averting a crisis.