TEL AVIV, Israel (Oct. 1, 2023) — Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provided Israel with a list of passengers and crew onboard a FlyDubai flight where a co-pilot attempted to seize control.
The incident occurred during a flight to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to task the National Security Council with reviewing civil aviation security protocols. The co-pilot, an Omani national, was reported to have attacked the captain with a crash ax, nearly causing a major disaster with 182 people on board.
UAE officials confirmed the attack was classified as a “terrorist incident.” Passengers intervened to subdue the assailant, leading to a chaotic but successful resolution of the crisis. Initial investigations revealed significant lapses in security, notably that the co-pilot had previously been barred from flying due to concerns about extremist views.
Authorities stated that Emirati officials shared detailed passenger information with Israel, and no concerns were raised about any individual on the manifest. Transportation Minister Miri Regev said her ministry had not received a warning or passenger list prior to the flight.
Netanyahu emphasized existing protocols to prevent certain foreign nationals from piloting flights into Israel. Additionally, Australian authorities are investigating potential connections between the assailant and Australia.
As investigations continue, questions regarding aviation security failures have emerged, raising concerns prior to upcoming elections. Opposition leaders have criticized the government for perceived negligence related to national security, underscoring the need for robust safety measures in international aviation.