Israeli Airline Launches Security Checks on 2,500 Foreign Crew Members After Flydubai Incident
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
An unnamed Israeli airline is independently vetting 2,500 foreign flight crew members following a security incident on a Flydubai flight. The airline is using a tech firm to review social media for signs of extremism. This proactive measure comes as leased aircraft, commonly used by Israeli carriers like Arkia and Israir, operate under less stringent security protocols than domestic flights. Security agencies have previously warned of these vetting gaps.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- An Israeli airline is conducting independent security checks on 2,500 foreign flight crew members.
- The checks focus on social media activity to identify potential extremism.
- The initiative follows an attempted attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- Leased aircraft, common in Israel, have less rigorous security than domestic flights.
- Israeli security agencies have previously flagged concerns about vetting foreign crews.
An Israeli airline has proactively enhanced its security protocols for foreign flight crews, initiating its own vetting process without awaiting national authorities' investigation results. The airline, whose name was not disclosed, has partnered with a specialized technology firm to conduct background checks on approximately 2,500 foreign pilots and crew members. This initiative focuses on scrutinizing the social media activity and public posts of these crew members for any signs of extremism or potential security risks. The move specifically targets aircraft operated under "wet lease" agreements, where airlines rent planes along with their crews and maintenance services. This decision follows an attempted attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an incident that highlighted potential vulnerabilities in Israeli aviation security. Unlike Israeli commercial flights, these leased aircraft do not adhere to the same stringent security measures, such as armed security personnel or advanced missile protection systems. Leasing foreign aircraft is a common practice among Israeli airlines; in July, 70% of Arkia's flights and 56% of Israir's flights utilized wet-leased aircraft. Israeli media reports indicate that security agencies have warned for years about deficiencies in vetting foreign companies and their crews, with the Ministry of Transport acknowledging limitations in its intelligence-gathering capabilities for in-depth checks. This airline's independent action may signal a turning point for Israeli aviation safety, pending potential national reforms.
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