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Flydubai Attack (Img: X)
New Delhi: Israel's aviation security arrangements are facing fresh scrutiny after a report claimed that more than a dozen Omani pilots had flown to Tel Aviv in recent years despite restrictions on pilots from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
The issue has come under the spotlight following the September 30 incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, in which Omani co-pilot Hamam Alhamami allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The aircraft was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers and additional crew members intervened.
According to a report cited and other media outlets, Israeli rules introduced following the 2020 Abraham Accords restrict pilots from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel from operating flights into the country.
Also Read: Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights After Cockpit Incident Involving Hamam Al-Hammami
Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
However, the report said that dozens of Omani pilots had flown into Tel Aviv while working for foreign airlines. Israeli authorities reportedly relied substantially on airlines themselves to ensure that the restriction was followed.
The report has raised questions about how foreign airline crews were screened before operating flights to Israel.
The reported security gap has gained greater attention after the FZ1073 incident. According to reports, Alhamami allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar during the flight, causing the aircraft to make a rapid descent.
Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot. Two additional Flydubai pilots travelling in the passenger cabin subsequently helped take control of the aircraft before it made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The allegations surrounding the screening of foreign pilots are separate from the ongoing investigation into the FZ1073 incident. Authorities are examining the circumstances of the cockpit attack, the co-pilot's background and whether he acted alone.
Reports have also raised questions about Alhamami's previous employment and his reported removal from an Oman Air training programme over concerns about alleged extremist material. These claims remain subject to investigation and have not been established as final findings.
The latest revelations are expected to intensify scrutiny of how airlines and Israeli authorities verify the backgrounds and eligibility of foreign pilots operating flights to Tel Aviv.
