'Time For Everyone To Wake Up': Israel To Tighten Pilot Security Checks After Flydubai Attack

Israel will tighten security checks on pilots flying into the country after an alleged attack aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office told Reuters.

The flight from Dubai was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft. Passengers helped subdue the co-pilot before other Flydubai crew members took control and landed the plane safely.

Israel To Step Up Pilot Checks

Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for Netanyahu’s office, told Reuters that authorities would identify and check pilots flying into Israel.

“Every pilot that is going to be flying into Israel, we are going to know the pilots’ identities, know who they are, and do some type of security

check,” Spielman said.

He said Netanyahu had instructed authorities to “ramp up security” on flights to Israel operated by both Israeli and foreign carriers.

“Anywhere that an Israeli is going to be flying into Israel. Our job right now is to do our best – even if they’re not on Israeli airlines – to make sure that those security procedures are much higher,” Spielman said.

Saudi authorities have arrested and questioned the co-pilot, according to Netanyahu. Of the 172 people on board, 169 were Israeli nationals, according to Israeli Ambassador Daniel Meron.

Questions Over Pilot Vetting

The incident has raised questions over how pilots are screened and monitored, particularly on flights operating across the conflict-hit Middle East.

Philip Baum, a visiting professor of aviation security at Coventry University, told Reuters that pilots undergo extensive background checks as well as continuing medical and psychological assessments.

“Every pilot goes through extensive background checks but also continuous medical and psychological assessments,” Baum said.

Eric Schouten, head of aviation intelligence consultancy Dyami, said airlines are responsible for properly vetting pilots under national guidelines.

“The airline has to do a proper vetting according to national guidelines on who is in the cockpit and every country does it differently,” Schouten said.

‘Wake-Up’ Call After Attack

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said Flydubai’s certification and safety oversight rest with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, including requirements covering flight crews and their fitness to fly.

Flydubai has urged against “premature speculation”, saying the reasons for the incident remain unclear and are subject to investigation.

Spielman said Israel already had strict aviation security measures but suggested they would now be strengthened.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to wake up,” he told Reuters. “Israel has the most thorough security checks in the world, and they’re there for a reason. They’re there so that an incident like this doesn’t take place.”

(With inputs from Reuters)