The attempt unfolded on September 30 when Omani copilot Hamam al‑Hammami struck the Indian captain of a Flydubai flight carrying 72 Israeli passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Though severely wounded, the captain broke the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to subdue the attacker. Two off‑duty pilots seized control and diverted the damaged aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Netanyahu's directive, issued Thursday by the National Center for Passenger Data Analysis, mandates that every carrier submit crew details at least 48 hours before departure, with updates no later than two hours before take‑off and a final list at the moment of departure. The move follows a review that uncovered gaps in Israel's oversight of foreign pilots and airline personnel.
Earlier reports revealed that airlines had been submitting crew lists minutes after departure, leaving little room for background checks. A National Security Council memo cited the Transportation Ministry's lack of resources as a key failure, while a March 2025 warning highlighted non‑compliance with cabinet directives. These shortcomings prompted the new, tighter vetting process.
Flydubai crew members were recently honored by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the First Class Order of Zayed II for their bravery. The award, presented by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscores the international fallout from the incident. Airlines now face the immediate task of restructuring their pre‑flight data submission procedures to meet the new 48‑hour deadline.