Israeli president to award five passengers for preventing Flydubai crash

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, that five Israeli passengers will receive the ‘National Civilian Bravery Award’ for their role in preventing a Flydubai flight from crashing after a co-pilot attacked the main pilot.The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot reportedly stabbed Indian pilot Smit Maccha, attempting to crash the plane. The aircraft, carrying approximately 180 passengers and crew, including about 150 Israeli citizens, plummeted more than 17,000 feet (over 5 kilometers) during the incident, causing widespread panic among passengers.Passenger Tali Manes first alerted others after hearing commotion in the cockpit. Yaniv Hayun, a plumber by profession, was the first to enter the cockpit and help subdue the attacker. Other passengers, including Asaf Razuan, also assisted in overpowering the assailant. Pilot Maccha, despite being wounded, opened the cockpit door and informed passengers and crew, enabling their collective effort to control the attacker.The plane sent out an emergency ‘squawk code 7500,’ indicating a hijacking, which prompted Israel to dispatch fighter jets. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was arrested. Pilot Maccha was hospitalized in Tabuk for his injuries.President Herzog praised the passengers, stating, “You risked yourselves to save others and prevented a great catastrophe. Today, the world saw the beautiful and courageous face of Israeli society.” He also commended pilot Maccha for his actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally welcomed Yaniv Hayun at Ben Gurion Airport upon his return to Israel, who was still wearing his blood-stained shirt.The attacker is expected to be transferred from Saudi Arabia to Dubai for further investigation. UAE and Israeli authorities are conducting a joint investigation into the incident, which includes examining the possibility of a terrorist act. Flydubai has removed both pilots from flight duties pending the outcome of the investigation.The official name and nationality of the attacking co-pilot remain unconfirmed. The co-pilot’s true motive, whether related to mental health issues, a terrorist attempt, or a nationality-related dispute, is still unclear. The full conclusions and timeline of the joint UAE-Israeli investigation have not yet been released.