Dozens of Omani Pilots Landed in Israel on Flydubai Flights

Dozens of Omani pilots have landed in Israel in recent years as part of Flydubai flights, according to a report by N12. This information emerged during an investigation following a serious incident on a flight from Dubai to Israel, where a co-pilot of Omani nationality was investigated on suspicion of attempting to harm the aircraft and its passengers.

The revelation raises significant questions about the screening and approval mechanisms that allowed these crews, particularly those with citizenship from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel, to fly into Israeli airspace repeatedly. Israeli authorities are currently examining how these Omani pilots received permission to enter, what information was provided about their identities beforehand, and whether their Omani citizenship was known to the approving bodies.

The issue is also being reviewed in the context of procedures for foreign crew members entering Israel. The focus has shifted from the suspected co-pilot to the broader approval system that permitted other Omani pilots to travel to Israel over the years. Flydubai's conduct and the information it supplied to Israeli authorities regarding its flight crews are also under scrutiny.

The investigation is expected to determine if the approvals granted adhered to existing regulations and whether changes are needed in the process of vetting and approving foreign crews for flights to Israel. The findings could lead to revised security protocols for international flights entering the country.