TEL AVIV— Israel plans to strengthen security checks for pilots flying into the country following a serious cockpit incident aboard flydubai (FZ) Flight FZ1073.
The flight was operating from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on September 30 when a co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during the flight.
The Boeing 737 carrying 174 people was diverted to Tabuk Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia after the cockpit confrontation disrupted the flight.
Passengers and crew helped restrain the attacker, while other pilots on board took control of the aircraft and brought it to a safe landing.
Israel Tightens Pilot Checks Following Flight Incident
Israeli authorities said the new measures will focus on identifying and screening pilots operating flights into Israel, including crews working for foreign airlines.
Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, said authorities would establish the identities of pilots and conduct additional security checks before they operate flights into the country.
Netanyahu has instructed officials to strengthen security procedures for flights operated by both Israeli and international carriers.
The move comes as authorities examine whether existing pilot-vetting procedures can identify security risks before crew members enter the cockpit.
Israel already maintains extensive aviation security procedures, but officials said the flydubai incident would lead to additional measures. The authorities have not yet provided details on the exact form or timing of the new checks.
Flydubai Flight Diverted Following Pilot Attack
Flight FZ1073 was carrying passengers from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv when the cockpit incident occurred. Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
Other flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then helped regain control before the aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude during the incident before the situation was brought under control.
Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot after the emergency landing and began questioning him as part of the investigation.
Pilot Vetting Under Review Following Incident
The incident has renewed attention on the security screening of flight crews, particularly the procedures used to assess pilots before and during their aviation careers.
Industry experts said pilots already undergo background checks, medical assessments and other forms of screening under national and international aviation requirements.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has said oversight of flydubai remains the responsibility of the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority, including requirements related to flight crews and their fitness to operate, India Today reported.
Flydubai has urged caution over unconfirmed reports, saying several details of the incident remain unclear while authorities investigate.
The airline also temporarily suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv as the investigation continued.
Authorities have not established a motive for the alleged attack or confirmed the weapon used. Investigators are expected to examine the cockpit events, crew vetting procedures, and the security measures surrounding the flight as multiple authorities continue their inquiries.
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