Flydubai Attack: How Did Dozens Of Omani Pilots Reach Israel Despite Restrictions?

New Delhi: Serious questions are being raised on Israel's aviation security system after the alleged attack by the Omani co-pilot on Indian Captain Smit Mosquito in Flydubai flight FZ1073 going from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the incident, the aircraft suddenly descended rapidly but was brought under control after the injured captain opened the cockpit door and the intervention of passengers and other pilots. After this the flight made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. There were 174 people on board the plane. 

How did the Omani co-pilot get on the flight to Israel?

The biggest question after the incident is how an Omani citizen was deployed as a pilot in the cockpit of a flight to Israel. Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. According to the Channel 12 report, several Omani pilots had operated Flydubai's flights to Israel in recent years. 

However, there have been differing reports regarding the interpretation of the rules and related agreements. Some Israeli officials have linked the pilot's appointment to a violation of regulations, while sources close to the Jerusalem Post said there was no explicit citizenship requirement in the UAE-Israel bilateral aviation agreement. Therefore, the final responsibility in this matter is still a matter of investigation. 

Why were questions raised on the role of Shin Bet?

Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet trusted the airline rather than independently investigate the nationality and background of Flydubai's pilots, Channel 12 reported. The report quoted an aviation industry official as claiming that the agency had the ability to obtain information on pilots but did not conduct regular reviews. 

Israel's Transport Ministry said that Shin Bet had not given any specific warning to Flydubai about any possible pilot danger. According to the ministry, the main request from the security agency was for additional checking of luggage.

How the Indian captain saved the lives of the passengers?

Captain Smit Mosquito was seriously injured during the attack. Despite this, he opened the cockpit door, giving passengers and other pilots the opportunity to reach inside and control the attacker. After this the aircraft was stabilised and landed safely in Tabuk. The captain was later taken to Abu Dhabi for treatment.

What was the reason for the attack?

Investigation is still going on regarding the motive of the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the co-pilot was influenced by radical Islamic ideology. At the same time, in different reports, it has been said that possible terrorist or ideological motive is being investigated. However, the final reason for the attack cannot be stated as an established fact until the investigation is completed. 

Are UAE and Saudi Arabia also investigating?

Agencies of UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are involved in the investigation of the incident. The UAE has launched a comprehensive investigation through its judicial authorities. After initial investigation and treatment in Saudi Arabia, information has come to light that the captain and the Omani co-pilot were sent to Abu Dhabi.  

At present, a major question of investigation is how the Omani co-pilot was appointed to the Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv and why, despite various security checks, no warning was raised about his background earlier. Agencies are now investigating the flaws in this security process.