Israeli Authorities Received FlyDubai Crew List Before Alleged Cockpit Attack, Security Review Under Scrutiny

DUBAI: Israeli authorities received the crew list for FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 before the aircraft departed for Tel Aviv, raising critical questions about whether existing security protocols failed to flag the co-pilot as a potential threat before an alleged cockpit hijacking attempt.

According to a report by Haaretz, Israel’s Tax Authority confirmed that passenger and crew manifests for the flight were submitted, but the Transportation Ministry declined to comment on whether the data was actively reviewed prior to departure. The incident involved Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami, who is accused of attacking the captain with a cockpit crash axe and attempting to seize control of the aircraft mid-flight.

Investigations revealed that Al-Hammami had previously been grounded in Oman due to concerns regarding extremist views. Authorities are currently investigating whether he acted alone or had connections to an extremist organization.

The event has intensified scrutiny over Israel’s aviation security framework. Under a 2023 Israeli law, airlines operating to and from Israel must submit passenger and crew data to the National Center for Passenger Data Analysis, managed by the Tax Authority, at least 48 hours before departure. This database, accessible to intelligence agencies such as the Mossad, Shin Bet, and police, is designed to identify potential security threats.

While the Transportation Ministry’s security division and the Mossad are tasked with vetting foreign flight crews, security sources noted that the ministry lacks independent intelligence capabilities and depends heavily on external agencies like the Mossad or Shin Bet. The Shin Bet clarified that its jurisdiction is limited to Israeli airlines and security protocols at Ben Gurion Airport, excluding foreign carriers.

The United Arab Emirates, which is leading the official investigation, has classified the incident as a “terrorist attack.” Investigations into the motive and potential extremist links remain ongoing. Following medical treatment, the captain and Al-Hammami were transferred from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi on Thursday after being cleared to travel, according to the Saudi Interior Ministry.

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