Israeli Investigators Arrive in UAE to Probe Flydubai Incident

Israeli investigators have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to question authorities in Abu Dhabi regarding the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight that experienced a mid-air incident. The flight, carrying over 170 Israelis, was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when the co-pilot, identified as Hammam Al-Hammami from Oman, allegedly attacked the pilot with an emergency axe in the cockpit and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where passengers waited for about eight hours before continuing on a replacement aircraft.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that investigations confirmed the co-pilot initiated a "terrorist act" and that the probe is ongoing to uncover motives and connections. The co-pilot, born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother, previously worked for Oman Air, Royal Air Maroc, and then Flydubai.

Reports indicate that Israel received a passenger and crew list for the Flydubai flight in advance. Israeli security sources suggest that the security division of the Ministry of Transportation and the Mossad were responsible for vetting such lists. A 2023 Israeli law mandates the establishment of a center within the Tax Authority to pre-screen passenger and crew lists for incoming flights, aiming to identify potential security risks. Airlines are required to submit this information 48 hours prior to departure.

The Tax Authority confirmed receiving the Flydubai flight lists but deferred further comment to the Ministry of Transportation, which declined to respond to inquiries about whether it received and reviewed the crew list. The Shin Bet stated its responsibility is limited to Israeli airlines and security at Ben Gurion Airport, not foreign carriers.