RismadarVoice Reporters
October 1, 2026
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced that he will recommend four Israeli passengers for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism following their actions during a mid-air emergency aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The four passengers are Yaniv Hayoun, Zvika Manes, Asaf Rajuan and Dr Shota Musayev.
Herzog praised the men for their actions after a serious incident unfolded in the cockpit of flydubai Flight FZ1073 on Wednesday.
The aircraft, carrying 174 people, was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar and the plane entered a rapid descent.
Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to release the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter.
Hayoun, Manes and Rajuan then helped overpower and restrain the co-pilot, while Musayev provided medical assistance to the wounded captain.
Herzog said the swift intervention of the passengers and crew prevented a major disaster.
“You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a terrible disaster,” Herzog said while praising their courage.
He also commended Tali Manes, wife of Zvika Manes, for raising the alarm about the disturbance in the cockpit.
The Israeli president praised Machchhar for his actions during the emergency, saying his determination helped make it possible for those outside the cockpit to intervene.
Following the incident, other qualified pilots aboard the aircraft took control, and the plane was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The passengers later continued their journey to Israel aboard another aircraft.
Machchhar, an Indian national, received medical treatment in Saudi Arabia following the incident.
The motive behind the co-pilot’s actions remains under investigation.
Israeli authorities have described the incident as an apparent attempt to bring down the aircraft, but investigators have yet to publicly establish a motive.
The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism was established following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and recognises civilians who display exceptional courage while attempting to save others.
