Shin Bet to Secure Flights from Dubai Amid Hijacking Attempt Investigation

Shin Bet agents are expected in Dubai soon to prepare security measures for Israeli flights returning to Israel, according to a source in the Ministry of Transportation speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Thursday. These flights are anticipated to commence on Friday, following a suspected hijacking attempt on Wednesday aboard a FlyDubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. All FlyDubai flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport have been temporarily suspended as authorities investigate the incident. The Ministry of Transportation will announce alternative flight options for affected travelers once necessary approvals are secured from the Ministry of Defense. Concurrently, Emirates and Etihad Airways are reportedly considering increasing their flight frequencies between the UAE and Israel. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has also tasked the Shin Bet with investigating the suspected Omani nationality of the co-pilot accused of attempting to seize control of the aircraft. The Jerusalem Post noted that the agreement allowing FlyDubai to operate in Israel stipulates that all pilots must be citizens of countries that have normalized relations with Israel. As Oman is not among these nations, the co-pilot's presence raises questions about compliance with this clause.