developing· Security· Updated
Abraham Accords Aviation Clause May Yield Millions for Flydubai Passengers
Passengers from a Flydubai flight that experienced an attempted hijacking on September 29 are preparing to file lawsuits totaling hundreds of millions of dollars against the airline, the State of Israel, and other international entities. The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv nearly crashed after the co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hamami, an Omani citizen with a reported extremist background, attacked the captain. Passengers intervened to subdue the attacker, stabilize the aircraft, and land it safely in Saudi Arabia.
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What happened
- 01Passengers of a Flydubai flight are preparing lawsuits totaling hundreds of millions of dollars against the airline, Israel, and other parties.
- 02The legal action follows an attempted hijacking on September 29 during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- 03The co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hamami, allegedly attacked the captain, causing the plane to dive before passengers subdued him.
- 04Brave passengers stabilized the aircraft and managed to land it safely in Saudi Arabia.
- 05An administration led by passenger Zvika Mans has been formed to coordinate the legal claims of approximately 100 passengers.
- 06The lawsuits will target Flydubai, the Israeli Ministry of Transport, and potentially the UAE's Ministry of Transport.
- 07Legal teams are examining potential violations of an aviation security agreement signed under the Abraham Accords.
An administration has been established to manage the legal proceedings, led by passenger Zvika Mans, the CEO of the underwriting firm Barak Leumi, who was involved in subduing the attacker. Other members of the administration include Tal Eisenberg, Daniel Shlitner, Itay Perlman, and Shir Maor. Approximately 100 of the 174 passengers on board have already granted power of attorney to the administration, which is currently consulting with Israeli and international law firms to select legal representation.
The upcoming lawsuits are expected to target Flydubai, Israel's Ministry of Transport, and potentially the UAE's Ministry of Transport. A key element of the legal action involves a six-year-old aviation services agreement signed under the Abraham Accords. The agreement's aviation security clause mandates mutual commitments to protect aircraft, passengers, and crews from unlawful acts, raising questions about state oversight and the airline's vetting of its co-pilot.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Israel Hayom. Read Israel Hayom’s originalThe coverage
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