Israel is planning to enhance security protocols for pilots flying into the country after a co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot of a Flydubai flight. The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, the majority of whom were Israeli nationals.

The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Passengers reportedly assisted in subduing the co-pilot, allowing other pilots to regain control of the aircraft. Following the ordeal, Saudi authorities detained and began questioning the co-pilot involved in the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified the injured pilot as Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national. He stated that Captain Machchhar sustained serious injuries during the incident but managed to resist the attacker and unlock the cockpit door, facilitating the passengers and crew to overpower him.

Reactions from Flydubai and Security Measures

In the aftermath of the incident, Flydubai urged caution against “premature speculation,” highlighting that many particulars surrounding the situation were still uncertain. This incident has raised questions regarding the vetting processes for pilots and the security protocols imposed on flight crews.

Israeli officials have announced plans to reinforce security measures for pilots operating flights into Israel. Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, conveyed that every pilot flying into Israel would be thoroughly vetted, allowing authorities to know their identities and conduct some form of security checks.

Netanyahu has ordered an increase in security protocols for flights to Israel run by both national and foreign airlines. Although Israel already enforces a robust set of aviation security measures, officials acknowledged that further tightening is essential following the Flydubai incident.

Pilot Screening and Security Standards

Aviation security experts indicated to Reuters that pilots are subjected to comprehensive security screenings, especially in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. Philip Baum, a visiting professor of aviation security at Coventry University, noted that pilots undergo extensive background checks along with continuous medical and psychological evaluations.

Security standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation are delegated to countries and airlines, but the application of these standards can differ widely by nation. While pilots working in the Middle East reportedly face screening akin to that of passengers, they typically are not permitted to carry weapons such as knives or guns onto aircraft.

Eric Schouten, head of the aviation intelligence consultancy Dyami, stated that it is the responsibility of airlines to vet cockpit crews in accordance with national requirements. The European Aviation Safety Agency confirmed that Flydubai’s certification and safety oversight is managed by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, assuring compliance with relevant standards pertaining to flight crewmembers’ suitability to operate flights.

The weapon used in the attack has not been definitively identified, although witnesses mentioned seeing the assailant with a knife while one of the pilots was injured. An aviation expert commented that pilots may have access to metal knives for in-flight meal service or a crash axe stored in the cockpit. No clear motive for the alleged attack has yet been determined.

Spielman reiterated that Israel’s aviation security measures are among the most stringent globally and would be further strengthened in light of this incident, aiming to preclude similar occurrences in the future.

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