Overview
- The episode unfolded when, according to passenger accounts, the flight’s Omani co‑pilot allegedly attacked the captain and forced the plane into a rapid descent before other passengers and crew entered the cockpit to stop him.
- Israeli passengers including Yaniv Hayoun, Tzvika Ness, Assaf Rejuan and Dr. Shota Musaev helped subdue the alleged attacker while reserve Flydubai pilots aboard stabilized the Boeing 737 MAX and diverted the jet to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia for a safe landing.
- The struggle reportedly wounded the captain and sent the aircraft down thousands of feet; passengers and a dentist aboard treated the injured captain before the flight continued and those aboard returned to Israel.
- President Trump released a video praising Yaniv Hayoun and the U.S. ambassador in Israel, Mike Huckabee, publicly thanked Hayoun and presented him with a signed presidential cap as a symbolic gesture.
- Israeli officials have recommended formal civilian honors for the intervening passengers and investigators continue to examine the incident and any potential criminal or security failures that allowed the alleged attack to occur.