FlyDubai flight attack — An Israeli passenger, Yaniv Hayun, has been hailed a hero after intervening to prevent a potential disaster aboard a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026. The incident, which Israeli authorities have labeled a terrorist attack, began when the Omani co-pilot stabbed the pilot, causing the aircraft to lose control and plummet approximately 4,300 meters.

Hayun, among the 180 passengers, told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he entered the cockpit upon hearing a struggle. “I pulled the controls up and stopped the plane’s descent,” he said, crediting aviation documentaries for his actions. Netanyahu personally thanked Hayun at Ben Gurion Airport, stating his actions saved everyone on board.

The aircraft, flight FZ1073, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely despite both pilots being injured. Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot, who claimed to have acted alone. The Israeli government stated 100 passengers were Israeli citizens and the attacker’s goal was to murder them.

In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu placed Israeli airspace on high alert and suspended all FlyDubai flights to Israel. The incident has triggered investigations by Saudi authorities and, according to Israeli media, the Mossad intelligence agency.