The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that the authorities would tighten procedures for verifying pilots’ identities and security screening on flights bound for Israel, whether operated by Israeli or foreign airlines, following the Flydubai flight incident that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The decision came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had stabbed the flight’s captain, Smit Matchar, and apparently tried to bring the aircraft down.
Passengers overpower co-pilot
Passengers helped restrain the suspect before other airline crew members on board secured the aircraft and landed it in Tabuk. An Israeli official said the flight was carrying 172 passengers, including 169 Israelis. Netanyahu confirmed that Saudi authorities had arrested the co-pilot and begun questioning him.
Flydubai said the causes and motives behind the incident remained subject to an official investigation, warning against premature speculation.
Pilots typically undergo security, medical and psychological checks, while national aviation authorities and airlines implement the established screening standards.
