Netanyahu Called Passenger a Hero; Now flydubai Flights Stay Grounded and Fares Soar
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Yaniv Hayun, a passenger who helped overpower an armed co-pilot on a flydubai flight last month, “You are a hero. You deserve worldwide recognition for your bravery,” the Jerusalem Post reported. Now, as flydubai extends its suspension of Israel flights through at least the end of November, the passengers who saved the aircraft are fighting for official recognition as terror victims while Israeli travelers face limited routes and higher average fares.
Co-Pilot Attacked Captain with Axe During September 30 Flight
The attack unfolded on September 30 during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when the co-pilot attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar with an axe, seriously injuring him in the head, the Jerusalem Post reported. The aircraft began descending rapidly until passengers, including Hayun and Tali Mans, broke into the cockpit and restrained the attacker. President Isaac Herzog later held a reception for the passengers and awarded them medals of bravery. The Times of Israel reported that a senior Transportation Ministry official has been questioned by police over the incident.
flydubai Suspends Israel Flights Through at Least November
Israeli tourists are currently limited to just Etihad Airways for travel to the region, and this restricted supply is reflected in pricing: according to an analysis by lastminute.co.il cited by Globes, a round-trip Tel Aviv-Abu Dhabi ticket in December costs $1,185, compared with expected fares of $400–$500 should Israeli airlines resume operations by December.
East Asia Travel Costs Rise Without Dubai Stopovers
The disruption affects travelers heading to East Asia who previously used Dubai as a connection point. According to lastminute.co.il data cited by Globes, direct round-trip flights to Hanoi with Arkia in December average $1,197; Bangkok costs $1,541 with Arkia or $1,611 with El Al; and Phuket with El Al costs $2,250. These compare with December 2025 average round-trip fares of $1,294 for Hanoi, $1,250 for Bangkok, and $1,328 for Phuket.
Travelers can still reach the East via Addis Ababa, Zurich, Vienna, and Munich. According to an analysis by the travel site Gulliver cited by Globes, Ethiopian Airlines offered round-trip tickets to Bangkok for $1,092 in mid-November, with prices dropping below $900 on certain dates; Swiss International Air Lines offered $923 via Zurich and Vienna; and Lufthansa offered December round-trips to Thailand for $1,020 via Munich.
Israel Requires Airlines to Report Crew 48 Hours Before Flights
Israel has tightened aviation security requirements, mandating that all airlines report crew members flying to Israel a full 48 hours before scheduled departure, Israel Defense reported. The National Center for Passenger Information Analysis issued guidelines requiring crew data submission 48 hours before takeoff, a second update at check-in no later than two hours before departure, and a final confirmed list at the time of takeoff.
Passengers Fight for Terror Victim Recognition as Lawsuits Loom
A month after the attack, the passengers say they have received no official assistance despite suffering psychological trauma, the Jerusalem Post reported. The National Insurance Institute can grant benefits as terror victims only after receiving authorization from the Defense Ministry’s approving authority, which has requested an assessment from Mossad. The Defense Ministry stated the Mossad’s response will be forwarded to the approving authority in the coming days. Passengers plan to hold an expanded meeting with lawyers next Tuesday to advance legal proceedings, including a possible lawsuit against the state.
Despite the flight disruptions, demand for Dubai remains.
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