Netanyahu Praises Passenger Who Stormed Cockpit, Stopped Alleged Hijacking on Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited passenger Yaniv Chayon with preventing a mass-casualty disaster after an alleged cockpit attack on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, describing the incident as a potential 'another 9/11.'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited a passenger with preventing a mass-casualty disaster aboard a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, describing the alleged cockpit attack as an attempt that could have become «another 9/11.» Netanyahu spoke about the incident during an exclusive interview Wednesday, recounting how the event unfolded and praising the «unbelievable courage» of passengers who subdued the alleged attacker and helped stabilize the aircraft.
Netanyahu singled out Yaniv Chayon, the passenger who broke into the cockpit and restrained the attacker. The prime minister said Chayon acted with «coolness of judgment and heroism» and «just tremendous courage that prevented another 9/11.» He met with Chayon earlier Wednesday and asked him how he managed to intervene. «He said, ‘Well, I just had to do it,’» Netanyahu recalled. «His family was there, 174 passengers, most of whom were Israelis, were there. He had to save them.»
The incident involved Flight 1073, which was headed from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 100 people onboard, including about 30 children. According to Netanyahu, a pilot aboard the aircraft allegedly stabbed another pilot and apparently attempted to crash the plane. The wounded captain, identified as Capt. Smit Machchhar, unlocked the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and work together to subdue the attacker. Netanyahu said Machchhar was bleeding profusely and is «fighting for his life» after sustaining severe injuries. The prime minister said the attacker apparently stabbed the captain or struck him with an ax.
While the captain was incapacitated, the aircraft dropped from 30,000 feet to 17,000 feet in roughly one minute before diverting to Saudi Arabia, according to flight radar. Other pilots aboard the aircraft took control and landed it safely. Netanyahu told Reuters that the alleged attacker was arrested after the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. An Israeli official identified the co-pilot as an Omani national.
Netanyahu blamed «hatred» for the attack, saying it was rooted in antisemitism and that many have «fallen prey» to propaganda that vilifies Israel. «I don’t know the exact background of this person, the attacker, but he obviously hated Israelis because he was going to kill about 170 of them on this plane, killing himself, too,» Netanyahu said. «That’s fanaticism and hatred of an incalculable level.»
FlyDubai cautioned that the suspect’s motive remains unknown and declared that all flights in and out of Israel will be suspended while the investigation is carried out. Israeli officials said investigators are working to examine the co-pilot’s motive and whether he acted alone. Passengers described entering the cockpit and subduing the attacker, who Israeli officials said was one of the pilots. The motive for the attack was not clear.
Netanyahu praised the passengers for their quick action under extreme pressure. «The passengers, including 30 children, are already saying their prayers. They know they’re gone from this world,» he said. «And this young man just acts with incredible, incredible heroism and saves the day.» He added: «Just think about it... If you’re next hijacked, make sure an Israeli is sitting next to you.»
The incident has drawn attention to security aboard commercial flights and to the broader threat of antisemitic violence. Netanyahu’s remarks came as investigators in Israel and Saudi Arabia continue to examine the circumstances of the attack and the attacker’s background. The flight’s safe landing in Tabuk prevented what officials described as a potentially catastrophic outcome.
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