Israel Orders Security Review After Flydubai Cockpit Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the National Security Council to look into security arrangements for foreign civil aviation in Israel. The ruling comes in the wake of an incident on 30 September in which flydubai flight FZ1073 was involved.

The Omani co-pilot allegedly struck Indian captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency crash axe, and tried to take charge of the plane. Later the plane landed in an emergency in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 people were on board.

Netanyahu directed National Security Council chief Shmuel Ben Ezra to appoint an examiner to examine thoroughly Israel's security in connection with foreign civil aviation. The decision follows a controversy about an Omani national, who has no diplomatic ties with Israel, being allowed to board an airliner heading for Israel.

Israeli officials are looking at pilot screening, security checks and sharing information. The UAE is also looking into the incident. Its officials have called the attack a "terrorist attempt." The co-pilot is in the custody of UAE authorities and investigators are still probing his background and motive.

Questions Over Foreign Flight Security

The incident has also triggered a debate over responsibility for aviation security. Transport Minister Miri Regev said security oversight for foreign airlines falls under Israel's intelligence agencies, while critics have questioned the role of the Transport Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority.

A 2024 state comptroller report had already pointed to unclear divisions of responsibility for foreign airline security in Israel. The new security review could therefore lead to tighter checks for pilots and other aviation personnel operating international flights to the country. Investigations into the flydubai incident remain ongoing.

Key Highlights

• Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a security review of foreign civil aviation entering Israel.
• An Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during the flight.
• The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the incident.
• UAE authorities have described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
• Israel is examining security checks, pilot vetting and information-sharing procedures.