Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the actions of passengers, crew members and pilots aboard the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv may have prevented a catastrophic disaster after an apparent cockpit attack sent the aircraft into a steep descent.

Netanyahu said an Indian captain was stabbed by the co-pilot, while Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun rushed toward the cockpit after hearing the commotion. According to Netanyahu, Hayoun and another crew member managed to confront the attacker, while additional pilots aboard the aircraft eventually took control and stabilized the plane.

Indian pilot, others prevented another 9/11: Israel PM

Israel PM Netanyahu says the Indian pilot was "attacked" by co pilot with an "axe", explaining that Smit "managed to unlock the door".

vdo ctsy: CBS News pic.twitter.com/5m6tCyzIYJ

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 1, 2026

Netanyahu praised those who intervened, saying:

“I salute those heroes who showed exceptional resourcefulness and courage. They saved many lives.”

He also described the potential consequences in stark terms:

“It looks like we prevented a 9/11 disaster.”

The aircraft reportedly plunged more than 17,000 feet in roughly two minutes before making an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The full circumstances and motive behind the incident remain under investigation.

Netanyahu said Israeli authorities had received general information about potential attacks by Iran-backed groups but did not have a specific warning about this flight. He also said Israel is expected to participate in questioning the alleged attacker, with cooperation from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.