New Security Procedures for Flights to Israel After Flydubai Incident

Israel's National Center for Passenger Diagnosis, operating under the Tax Authority, has implemented stricter security protocols for all international airlines flying to Israel. These new regulations aim to enhance security checks for flight crews before they board, following a serious security incident on a Flydubai flight to Israel. Airlines must now submit detailed crew information to Israeli authorities 48 hours before a scheduled departure. A second update, including any changes to the crew composition, is required during check-in and no later than two hours before takeoff, with a final, complete crew list mandated at the time of actual departure.

The extended reporting timeline is intended to provide Israeli security and diagnostic bodies with significantly more time than is standard internationally to review the data, thereby improving security responses and the ability to preemptively thwart risks. These measures were prompted by a severe hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv approximately one month ago, during which the co-pilot attacked the captain mid-flight. The incident exposed a significant security lapse, compounded by a subsequent report that two senior officials responsible for sensitive security roles in the Ministry of Transport were concurrently engaged in private work.

The new procedures are part of a broader effort to bolster aviation security. Previously, crew lists were submitted to the Israeli system late, after the aircraft had already departed. The revised system ensures information is received in time for thorough vetting of all crew members. Security officials stated the new protocols are designed to prevent problematic or dangerous crew members from boarding flights to Israel, with the extended 48-hour window allowing for more in-depth checks and coordination with international intelligence and security agencies if necessary.