Israel mandates nationality checks on foreign airline crew after Flydubai incident
Written by AI from 1 report listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI
The Israeli Ministry of Transport issued a security directive requiring foreign airlines to verify the nationality of pilots and crew before operating flights to or over Israel, restricting personnel with citizenship or dual nationality from 31 listed countries. The directive was prompted by a serious security incident on 30 September involving Flydubai flight FZ1073 between Dubai and Tel Aviv, where an Omani co‑pilot attacked the captain and attempted to seize control of the aircraft to crash it into Ben Gurion Airport, forcing an emergency landing.
Air France and Czech carrier Smartwings confirmed receipt of the directive and pledged compliance with the territorial regulations, while the planned direct Tel Aviv‑Buenos Aires route scheduled to begin on 29 November 2026 will not be affected because it is operated by El Al Israel Airlines, the Israeli flag carrier exempt from the mandate.