Israeli officials and media quickly delved into the details of a recent "security incident" that occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ 1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident, described by the airline as a "dispute in the cockpit," has led to accusations against the Emirati airline of violating an agreement that stipulates the nationalities of pilots and crew members on its flights, mandating that they come from countries that have established relations with Israel.
The flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, following the altercation. Passengers were subsequently transported to Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft. While Flydubai has stated that it is too early to discuss the motives and circumstances surrounding the incident, the Israeli authorities have swiftly accused the airline of breaching the aviation agreement governing its operations to Israel, prompting a comprehensive investigation led by the Israeli Security Agency (Shabak).
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have both commented on the matter, suggesting that there may have been an attempt to bring down the aircraft and hinting at a possible "terrorist act," even before any preliminary investigation results were released. The opposition has accused Netanyahu of exploiting the incident for political gain, particularly in light of upcoming elections.
Emergency Axe Under Scrutiny
According to an initial investigation reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, authorities are examining the possibility that the pilot prevented his co-pilot from taking control of the aircraft, allegedly with the assistance of some Israeli passengers. It is said that the emergency axe, typically used for breaking windows, was employed to strike or stab the co-pilot during the struggle for control. Investigators have dismissed an earlier theory that the co-pilot smuggled the axe onto the plane, citing the stringent security checks that crew members undergo before departure.
Conversely, investigators are also considering the opposite scenario: that the co-pilot, suspected of planning the alleged attack, may have used the axe against the pilot who attempted to stop him. Footage that circulated on social media depicted two men on the aircraft floor, bleeding, while others provided first aid and secured the cockpit. One individual could be heard speaking Hebrew, assuring others, "We are guarding the pilot," while another video captured passengers crying and screaming in panic as the aircraft shook.
As per a statement from Tabuk Airport, both the captain and co-pilot sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital for necessary care, although details regarding the nature of their injuries were not disclosed.
Agreement on Pilot Nationalities
The Jerusalem Post reported that the agreement governing Flydubai's operations to Israel explicitly states that all pilots on these routes must hold nationalities from countries that have normalized relations with Israel. The Times of Israel confirmed that the agreement requires pilots working on flights into Israel to possess passports from countries that have diplomatic ties with the nation.
Unverified Israeli reports indicated that the pilot suspected in the attempted takeover was of Omani nationality, prompting Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev to assert that this constitutes a "clear violation of the agreement," necessitating an investigation by the Shabak. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority noted that the investigation is also examining how a pilot from a nation without diplomatic relations with Israel was included in the flight crew.
An Israeli official stated that the Omani pilot had not previously landed in Israel. A joint investigation involving the Mossad, Shabak, and the Israeli military has been initiated to explore whether there were any prior indicators of the incident. Meanwhile, Flydubai has not confirmed this narrative, emphasizing that the causes and motivations behind the incident "remain unknown" and are under formal investigation. The airline called for caution against speculation until authorities have completed their fact-finding efforts, assuring that its flights continue to operate as scheduled.
In response to the incident, Minister Regev has requested that Shabak suspend all Flydubai flights entering and exiting Israel. An official from the Transportation Ministry quoted Regev describing the incident as a "major event" that averted a "catastrophe." Reports indicate that Prime Minister Netanyahu has agreed to halt the airline's flights to Israel until investigations are completed, according to the Maariv newspaper.
Additionally, Regev has called for the immediate resumption of Israeli airline El Al's flights to Dubai under Israeli security screening, following a prior ban on Israeli companies flying there due to disputes over security requirements. Security sources have informed Reuters that Saudi Arabia rejected an Israeli request to allow military aircraft, specifically C-130 Hercules planes, to directly transport stranded Israeli passengers, due to the lack of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Instead, Flydubai sent a replacement aircraft to complete the passengers' journey to Tel Aviv.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
