Israel grants flydubai hijack victims formal hostile action status
The designation, delayed by six weeks, allows the National Insurance Institute to begin processing compensation and mental health services for those on the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight.
By Tomas Rahman ·
The Israeli Defense Ministry formally classified the passengers of the flydubai flight as victims of hostile action on Monday. This official status grants the National Insurance Institute the authority to contact the individuals directly. The agency will now assess eligibility for financial compensation and psychological support services.
The incident occurred on September 30 during a scheduled flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Omani co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami struck Indian captain Smit Machchhar in the head with an axe. The injury caused the aircraft to descend rapidly. Passengers heard shouts from the cockpit and realized the plane was on a crash path.
Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door despite his injuries. Passengers Yaniv Hayun, Asaf Rajwan, Or Fardilov, and Zvika Mans entered the area. They overpowered the co-pilot and bound him with headphone cables. Dr. Shota Musayev, a dentist on the flight, provided immediate medical aid to the captain.
Two other airline pilots traveling as passengers took control of the aircraft. They landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All passengers and crew survived the event.
The Defense Ministry required confirmation from the Shin Bet and the Mossad before extending state benefits. Both the domestic security service and the foreign intelligence agency validated the event as an attempted terrorist attack. This confirmation was a prerequisite for the state to grant specific advantages to the affected individuals.
The six week delay in recognizing the event left passengers without access to specific benefits. They required psychological treatment and financial help but could not receive it until the designated authority approved their status. Defense Minister Israel Katz had called the event a jihadist terrorist attack on the day it happened. The ministry later explained the lag as a wait for information from investigative bodies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the passengers who subdued the co-pilot. He told Yaniv Hayun, "You are a hero. You deserve a worldwide medal of honor." President Isaac Herzog held a separate reception for the group and presented them with awards for bravery.
