Shin Bet Recommends Halting Flydubai Flights to Israel Pending Investigation

Israel's internal security agency, the Shin Bet, has recommended that flights between the UAE and Tel Aviv not resume for the time being, following an incident aboard a Flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv. The agency believes it is necessary to await the completion of an investigation before deciding on the gradual restoration of air traffic.

According to Walla security sources, the Shin Bet wants to understand all circumstances of the event to ensure it was not part of a plot by an enemy organization or state that could pose a new threat to Israeli citizens. The Shin Bet intends to obtain a comprehensive picture before approving further Flydubai flights.

On September 30, another Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to return to its departure airport due to an incident on board flight FZ1073. Transportation Minister Miri Regev had previously called for a suspension of Flydubai flights to Israel until the investigation concludes.

Meanwhile, UAE authorities have permitted Shin Bet security personnel to conduct checks at Dubai Airport, which should allow Israeli airlines to temporarily operate flights from there. Earlier reports indicated a fight between pilots on flight FZ1073, resulting in one pilot sustaining stab wounds. The plane issued a distress signal and diverted, making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli passengers reportedly assisted in subduing the assailant pilot.

Subsequently, concerns grew in Israel that the incident might have been an attempted terror attack or hijacking. Mossad Chief Roman Hoffman has ordered a background check on the second pilot to determine if he acted under duress. The possibility of an organized structure being behind the incident is also being considered.