Israel to ramp up pilot checks after flydubai scare - Reuters

Israel announced that it will intensify security checks on pilots arriving in the country after a violent incident involving a flydubai flight. The decision follows an episode on a flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel in which a co‑pilot attacked the captain with a knife, attempting to bring down the aircraft.

According to officials, the co‑pilot’s assault was halted when passengers intervened and subdued him. The plane was then taken over by other on‑duty pilots from the airline, who safely diverted the aircraft to Saudi Arabia, where it landed without further incident.

Saudi authorities detained the co‑pilot after the aircraft’s arrival and have begun questioning him. Of the 172 people on board, 169 were Israeli nationals, as reported by the Israeli permanent mission in Geneva. The airline has cautioned against “premature speculation” and noted that many details of the event remain unclear.

The incident has prompted Israeli officials to review the vetting procedures and security protocols for pilots operating in and out of Israel and the broader Middle‑East region. Government spokespeople said the move aims to address heightened concerns about potential threats targeting Jews and Israelis worldwide, noting a recent rise in anti‑Semitic attacks.

No motive for the co‑pilot’s actions has been disclosed, and investigations by both Israeli and Saudi authorities are ongoing. The heightened pilot checks are expected to be implemented promptly as part of broader efforts to ensure aviation safety in the region.