Israel Considers Banning Flydubai After Diversion to Saudi Arabia

Following a dramatic incident where a Flydubai flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia, Israel is holding a critical discussion on potentially revoking the Emirati airline's license to fly to the country. A special committee, comprising the Director General of the Ministry of Economy, the head of the Civil Aviation Authority, the National Insurance Institute, and other security officials, has been formed to address the issue. This situation arises as Israeli airlines are currently unable to fly to the UAE due to heightened Shin Bet security requirements, forcing Israeli passengers to rely on Emirati carriers. The potential grounding of Flydubai flights would significantly impact travelers.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev had previously demanded a freeze on all Flydubai flights to Israel, contingent on replacement flights operated by Israeli companies, a condition that could not be met due to the Shin Bet's demands. Meanwhile, security sources informed Reuters that Saudi Arabia rejected Israel's request to allow its planes to transport the stranded Israelis back home. After hours of tension, the 174 Israeli passengers from the diverted flight landed safely at Ben Gurion Airport.

One passenger, a 51-year-old man, was treated for minor chest injuries, while the others required no medical attention. Initially, political sources suggested indications of a terrorist event, but Defense Minister Israel Katz later stated it was a "jihadist attack attempt," adding that initial intelligence suggested the perpetrator intended to crash the plane with all its passengers. Israel has officially classified the incident as a terrorist attack, though security officials currently see no clear indications of Iranian direction. Saudi authorities are not sharing extensive investigation details with Israel, but the primary investigative direction points to a lone attacker aiming to crash the aircraft.