Israel Investigates Security Lapse After Flydubai Pilot's Alleged Attack

Israel is investigating how a Flydubai co-pilot, who was previously banned from flying in Oman, was allowed to be part of the crew on a flight to Israel. International airlines, including Flydubai, have specific obligations to Israel to ensure flight security. Airlines are required to submit passenger and crew data, including personal identification, citizenship, and documentation, to Israel's National Passenger Data Analysis Center (MALAN), which operates under the Tax Authority. This data is accessible to various government bodies, including the Ministry of Transport, Shin Bet, Mossad, and police. Initially, the Ministry of Transport considered the possibility of dual citizenship as a reason for the pilot's clearance, but this was not confirmed. It has since emerged that the pilot's identity and citizenship information were submitted through the passenger information system. Israeli authorities are now working to determine why this information did not trigger further checks and where the security system failed. The UAE's Attorney General previously stated that the co-pilot intentionally attempted to carry out a terrorist act during the flight, attacking the captain with an emergency axe.