Flydubai hijacking attempt exposes gaps in Israel's aviation security oversight

October 4, 2026 at 12:39 PM3 min

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The attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight has raised questions about commercial aviation security and criticism of foreign airlines' security standards. The pilot involved was an Omani national, from a country with no diplomatic relations with Israel, and was prohibited from flying to Israel under Israeli aviation regulations. The incident remains under investigation, even as Israeli airlines are barred from flying to Dubai following a security dispute with the UAE.

Key Facts

The pilot involved in the Flydubai hijacking attempt was an Omani national, from a country with no diplomatic relations with Israel, and was prohibited from flying to Israel under Israeli aviation regulations.
It is suspected that dozens of Omani pilots have operated flights to Israel for Emirati airlines, potentially by using dual passports.
Since Operation "Roaring Lion," Israeli airlines have been prohibited from flying to Dubai following a dispute between Israel and the UAE.
The body responsible for the security of Israeli airlines is the "Ofek" unit, operating under the authority and supervision of the Shin Bet, with operational and logistical management handled through El Al.
In 2024, the State Comptroller issued a critical report on aircraft security, highlighting the lack of a comprehensive, systemic approach and the absence of clear regulation governing responsibility and funding.

Security Gap

The attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight has raised difficult questions about commercial aviation security and sparked criticism of the security standards of foreign airlines. The pilot involved was an Omani national, from a country with which Israel has no diplomatic relations, and was therefore prohibited from flying to Israel under Israeli aviation regulations. It is suspected that dozens of Omani pilots have operated flights to Israel for Emirati airlines, potentially by using dual passports. The incident remains under investigation.

Israeli Aviation Security

There is a widespread conviction in Israel that Israeli airlines are the safest, both in terms of security and reliability. They continue to operate flights to and from the country even during emergencies, under a security system designed specifically to address the threats facing Israeli aviation. The body responsible for the security of Israeli airlines is the "Ofek" unit, operating under the authority and supervision of the Shin Bet, while its operational and logistical management is handled through El Al. The arrangement follows government decisions regulating the security of Israeli flights and is almost entirely state-funded. Ofek's responsibilities include passenger security screening and aircraft security, both on the ground and in flight, in cooperation with local security agencies in the countries where Israeli airlines operate.

Dubai Route Dispute

Since October 7, the system has increased its activities and adapted to the new security environment. Security measures are now implemented against a backdrop of heightened threats to Israeli aviation, occasionally requiring changes to the scope and deployment of security personnel, particularly in countries where hostility toward Israel is increasing. Since Operation "Roaring Lion," Israeli airlines have been prohibited from flying to Dubai following a dispute between Israel and the UAE. The Shin Bet had raised concerns with Emirati authorities regarding security procedures at Dubai airport, even as Flydubai and Etihad continued to operate flights between the countries, carrying an overwhelmingly Israeli passenger base. Following the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight, the dispute is expected to be resolved, potentially allowing Israeli airlines to resume the route under stricter security protocols.