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Flydubai has asked Israel for permission to resume flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv, just a week after an Omani co-pilot allegedly launched a cockpit
attack on one of its aircraft. According to Channel 13, the airline has argued that its investigation into the incident is nearing completion and that a number of employees have already been dismissed. Israel, however, has not agreed to the request. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has declined Flydubai’s application for the time being, the report said. The latest move comes as Israeli authorities examine how the September 30 incident was allowed to happen and whether existing procedures for foreign flight crew were sufficient.
Omani pilot attack triggered security scrutiny
The September 30 flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The flight was carrying around 180 people, most of them Israeli passengers. Machchhar and several passengers managed to thwart the alleged attack and restrain al-Hammami before the aircraft was diverted and landed safely.
The incident has since fuelled criticism of Israel’s Transportation Ministry and security agencies over the screening of pilots and other crew members from countries considered hostile or sensitive. Channel 13 reports that Israeli officials from the Transportation Ministry have also been invited to Dubai next week as part of the continuing engagement with Flydubai.
Israel considers tougher crew screening
The security concerns could also lead to tighter requirements for foreign airline personnel. According to the report, draft rules being prepared after the incident would require anyone who is not an Israeli citizen, including pilots and cabin crew, to submit a form 48 hours before a flight. The information would then be reviewed by Israeli authorities.
Under the proposed system, citizens of countries classified as “red” would face additional screening by Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet security services. The proposed measures indicate that the Flydubai incident could have consequences beyond the airline itself, potentially changing how foreign flight crews are cleared to operate services into Israel.
