Israel to ramp up pilot checks after flydubai scare
BA•Israel plans to check the identities of all pilots flying into the country after it said a flydubai co-pilot stabbed the pilot and tried to crash the plane. Saudi authorities arrested and interrogated the co-pilot after the plane diverted safely to Saudi Arabia.
1. Israel plans tighter checks
A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said authorities would identify and conduct security checks on all pilots flying into Israel, including those working for non-Israeli airlines. Netanyahu instructed authorities to ramp up security after Israel said a co-pilot on flydubai flight FZ1073 stabbed the pilot and attempted to crash the aircraft.
2. Flight diverted safely
Passengers helped subdue the co-pilot, and other flydubai pilots aboard landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities arrested and interrogated the co-pilot, Netanyahu said. Israeli Ambassador Daniel Meron said 169 of the 172 passengers were Israeli nationals. Flydubai warned against premature speculation, saying much remained unclear; no motive for the attack has been given.
3. Vetting responsibilities
Aviation experts said pilots undergo background checks and ongoing medical and psychological assessments, while countries and airlines implement international screening standards with flexibility in how they are applied. The European Aviation Safety Agency said flydubai's certification and safety oversight rest with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority, including oversight of crew requirements and fitness to fly.
