Mossad Joins FlyDubai Incident Probe Amid New Security Questions

Israeli security forces are investigating how the crew of a FlyDubai flight received clearance to fly to Israel and what checks were conducted prior to departure, as the probe into the recent incident intensifies. The Mossad intelligence agency has joined the investigation into the emergency, which involved a FlyDubai flight transmitting the emergency code 7500, indicating suspected hijacking.

According to a security source cited by Maariv, the Ministry of Transportation is responsible for setting requirements for foreign airlines and verifying the data they submit. Foreign carriers must provide advance information on pilots and crew members for flights to Israel. Israeli services are now working to determine the extent and thoroughness of checks performed on the FlyDubai crew.

Investigators are also looking into whether a security officer was on board the flight. The source noted that many foreign airlines place security personnel on flights to Tel Aviv when enhanced security measures are deemed necessary, but the presence of such personnel on this particular flight remains unclear.

The flight, en route to Ben Gurion Airport, diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after transmitting the code 7500. Two Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the passenger plane. The crew members on the cockpit were reportedly from Oman and India.

Separately, current security regulations for flights between Israel and the UAE are under review. The source indicated that Israeli airlines have halted flights to the Emirates due to disagreements over the implementation of Israeli aviation security requirements. Prime Minister Netanyahu previously announced new measures following the FlyDubai incident.