Security Lapses in Aviation Revealed After Failed Plane Hijacking Attempt

A failed attempt to hijack a Flydubai flight has exposed years of security negligence within Israel's Ministry of Transport, specifically concerning the vetting of foreign aircrews. The issue stems from a 2003 government decision that tasked the Ministry of Transport's Security Division with screening foreign flight crews. However, over time, responsibility has become diffused, with the ministry now claiming a lack of authority and manpower to conduct thorough checks, often deferring to the Shin Bet and other security agencies.

Danny Sheiner, who served as the ministry's senior security official from 1987 to 2017, stated that the system was once a model for the world, but has since deteriorated. He believes the task is too large for the ministry and should be handled by a state security body. The "Open Skies" reform, implemented in 2013, significantly increased the number of foreign airlines operating in Israel, further complicating the oversight process.

Following the 9/11 attacks, stricter aviation security measures were introduced, including comprehensive checks for foreign aircrews. Airlines were required to submit crew information for landing approval, a process overseen by the Ministry of Transport's Security Division. This procedure is similar to the one used for inspecting maritime crews docking in Israeli ports.

The problem of divided responsibility for foreign aircrew oversight was known, with a 2011 proposal to establish a state aviation security authority failing to materialize. In 2021, the Shin Bet reportedly relinquished responsibility for foreign airline flights, a decision attributed to a cabinet resolution. Security sources claim this responsibility was transferred to the Ministry of Transport under Minister Miri Regev, a claim the ministry denies, stating its responsibility for foreign aviation security has existed for decades and involves verifying that foreign pilots undergo security background checks according to international regulations, not conducting independent intelligence assessments.

The State Comptroller warned in 2024 about security gaps, particularly concerning chartered flights by Israeli companies. The National Security Council (NSC) recommended in 2025 that the Ministry of Transport consolidate chartered flight oversight under the Civil Aviation Authority, a move requiring additional funding. While the ministry took responsibility for chartered flights starting in early 2026, foreign flights, deemed higher risk, remain inadequately supervised. The only entity collecting passenger data, including aircrews, for economic reasons is the Tax Authority, and the Ministry of Transport has never accessed this data.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the issue for the first time, instructing the head of the National Security Council to appoint an investigator to thoroughly examine the security aspects of foreign civil aviation in Israel. The Ministry of Transport reiterated that the "Open Skies" reform is unrelated to the security check responsibilities and that its role has always been to ensure foreign airlines comply with international background check regulations, distinguishing this from independent intelligence gathering.