1 hr ago
Israel to Honor Five Civilians Who Overpowered Flydubai Co-Pilot
Five Israeli passengers will receive awards for helping stop a dangerous incident on a flydubai flight.
The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the plane’s pilot.
The pilot, Smit Machchha, reportedly opened the cockpit door so people could help.
Passengers rushed forward after hearing a woman scream about the stabbing.
Yaniv Hayoun helped restrain the co-pilot.
Tali Manes was the first among the passengers to raise the alarm and call for help.
President Isaac Herzog said the passengers risked themselves to protect everyone on board.
He said their actions helped prevent a terrible disaster.
President Isaac Herzog will present civilian heroism awards to five Israelis who helped overpower a flydubai co-pilot.
Israeli officials said pilot Smit Machchha was stabbed but opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
Yaniv Hayoun, a plumber, said he entered the cockpit and helped beat and pin down the co-pilot.
Tali Manes was added as a recipient after she alerted passengers and called for help when she heard the cockpit commotion.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Hayoun at Ben Gurion Airport after his return to Israel.
- Who
- Five Israeli civilians, pilot Smit Machchha, and flydubai’s co-pilot were involved; President Isaac Herzog will present the awards.
- What
- The civilians helped overpower and restrain the co-pilot after the pilot was reportedly stabbed.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard a flydubai aircraft, and Hayoun was welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport.
- When
- The awards were announced Thursday; Hayoun returned to Israel Wednesday.
- Why
- The civilians are being honored for risking themselves to protect passengers and prevent a possible disaster.
Key facts
- Award
- Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism
- Recipients
- Five Israelis
- President
- Isaac Herzog
- Pilot
- Smit Machchha of India
- Additional recipient
- Tali Manes was later added to the list
- Airport welcome
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Yaniv Hayoun at Ben Gurion Airport
- Reported intervention
- Passengers entered the cockpit and restrained the co-pilot
Quotes
Isaac Herzog
President of Israel
“We felt helpless, suspended in midair, and I didn't know who to turn to. But it was all instinct: to survive, to save the family, the people, and the children.”
NDTV
“You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a terrible disaster. Today, the whole world saw the beautiful and courageous face of Israeli society.”
NDTV
Sources
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