Expert Questions Flydubai Incident, Cites Potential State or Terrorist Involvement

An alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight bound for Israel has raised questions about a potential premeditated operation, according to Arab affairs specialist Zvi Yehezkeli writing for i24NEWS. Yehezkeli, a former aviation security agent, argues the incident cannot be dismissed as isolated and urges Israeli authorities to investigate possible state or terrorist group involvement.

He noted that aircraft hijackings have become rare since 9/11 due to enhanced airport security, though Israel has maintained strict protocols since the 1970s following Palestinian hijackings. Initial reports suggested a pilot altercation, but i24NEWS indicates one pilot, possibly Omani, may have attempted to stab the other to intentionally crash the plane. The exact motives and circumstances remain under investigation.

Yehezkeli emphasized the complexity of planning such an attack, requiring extensive preparation to bypass security measures. He suggested Iran as a possible, though unproven, suspect, and also pointed to the Houthis due to their proximity to the UAE and previous attacks targeting Israel.

Yehezkeli called for a thorough Israeli investigation into potential foreign power or organization involvement. He highlighted the vulnerability of Israelis on foreign airlines, which may not have security measures as stringent as Israeli carriers, even if compliant with Shin Bet directives. He warned that the incident serves as a serious wake-up call regarding aviation security for Israelis traveling abroad.