Israel Suspends FlyDubai Flights After Security Incident

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to suspend all FlyDubai flights to Israel until an investigation into a recent security incident is completed. The decision follows a proposal by Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who presented findings that the airline may have violated an agreement stipulating that only pilots and crew with citizenship from countries friendly to Israel should operate flights to the country. Regev stated that the incident raised concerns because one of the crew members involved reportedly held Omani citizenship.

Defense Minister Israel Katz described the event as a "jihadist terror attempt" thwarted by the quick actions of Israeli passengers. He recounted a conversation with a passenger who reported the plane began to dive, and that passengers managed to enter the cockpit, subdue the attacker, and help the crew regain control. Katz credited these passengers with saving many lives and preventing a major disaster.

The incident began when FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Ben Gurion Airport transmitted an emergency code, later followed by a hijacking code. Israeli emergency procedures were activated, and fighter jets were scrambled by the Air Force. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where the suspect crew member was arrested and is being interrogated by Saudi authorities.

Israeli security officials are continuing to examine the circumstances of the incident and all security aspects related to foreign airlines flying to Israel, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and all possibilities are being considered. In parallel with the flight suspension, Israel will also examine increasing the capacity of Israeli airlines on the route to the Emirates.