Israeli media reports have alleged that a security lapse stemmed from allowing Omani pilots to operate Flydubai flights to Tel Aviv, despite restrictions on crew from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel.
According to the report, a Flydubai flight that departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on September 30 had an Omani national serving as the co-pilot. He allegedly attempted to hijack the aircraft, but the attempt was thwarted by the Indian captain, identified as Smidt Machar.
The reports say Israel has rules limiting pilots from countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel from operating flights into the country. However, in recent years, several Omani pilots are said to have flown Flydubai services to Tel Aviv.
Israeli authorities reportedly did not independently verify pilots’ citizenship and instead left compliance to the airlines. Israel’s aviation ministry has also confirmed that Flydubai operating rules require crew to be from countries that maintain friendly relations with Israel.
An inquiry is now under way to determine whether negligence by Israeli officials contributed to the recent incident, the reports said.
