Pilot Data Submitted Late, Raising Security Concerns After Attack Attempt
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Pilot and aircrew data for foreign airlines is submitted too late for security checks.
- A recent attempted attack has prompted a review of current aviation security procedures.
- An investigation is underway into a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a Flydubai flight.
- Security officials are calling for stricter measures, including banning pilots from certain countries.
- The Ministry of Transport denies responsibility for delays in foreign flight security data.
- A political figure has sharply criticized the government's handling of the security lapse.
A leaked document has revealed significant security gaps in Israel's passenger and aircrew information system, particularly concerning foreign airlines. The system, managed by the Tax Authority, is intended to hold details for all flights, but crew information is only submitted close to departure or up to 15 minutes after takeoff. This delay prevents necessary pre-flight security background checks.
A government official stated this is standard international practice and no prior requests were made to change the data submission procedures. However, in light of a recent attempted attack, these procedures are now under review. The incident involved Hiam Al-Hami, a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a Flydubai flight.
Transcripts from Al-Hami's interrogation in the UAE were broadcast, where he admitted to seeking employment with airlines flying to Israel, which led him to choose Flydubai. An Israeli investigation team joined UAE and other international security officials in interrogating Al-Hami, who is suspected of acting alone and may have flown to Israel previously.
Security officials are calling for an inquiry and a ban on pilots from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel, citing a lack of screening for religious extremism by the airline. The Ministry of Transport refuted claims linking foreign flights to chartered flights, stating the leaked documents pertain only to the latter. They clarified that their foreign aviation security division has been responsible since 1977, and responsibility for unsecured chartered flights was only transferred to them in early 2026. The ministry also stated it is not an intelligence body and lacks the tools for background checks, noting Flydubai received explicit instructions but did not submit the crew list.
Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, strongly criticized the situation, calling it "complete rot and existential neglect by the government of destruction," which he claims prioritizes political maneuvering over citizen safety.