ISRAEL: Israel Looks to Halt flydubai Flights over Hijacking Pilot's Background
JERUSALEM, Israel
- Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev has requested the Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet, halt all flydubai flights entering and exiting Israel after the suspected attempted hijacking of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
- The decision followed reports that the co-pilot suspected in the incident is of Omani nationality.
- Flydubai's operating agreement with Israel requires all flight crew to be from countries that have normalized relations with Israel; Oman is not included.
- The Mossad, Shin Bet, IDF and Transport Ministry opened a joint probe into the incident and how an Omani pilot was permitted on the flight.
- The aircraft involved is registered (MSN 61013 ¦ A6-FKF) and is currently in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia where it diverted.
- Regev directed the Israel Airports Authority to open a waiting and information area for families in Terminal 1 arrivals at Ben-Gurion Airport.
- The Israeli Air Force stated it maintains continuous preparation to confront aerial threats and prevent incursions, including scenarios involving civilian aircraft deviating from flight paths.
- Israel's State Comptroller referenced its 2024 report recommending a National Security Council review of all aspects of international civil aviation security to and from Israel.
- According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia rejected an Israeli request to allow military planes, including Super Hercules, to collect Israeli passengers from the diverted flydubai flight that landed in the kingdom.
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