Israeli agencies have described different responsibilities for screening pilots. The country’s tax authority confirmed it received passenger and crew names before takeoff, while the Transport Ministry said its procedures do not include vetting pilots by name.
The investigation into the attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv has raised questions about how Israel screens crew members on foreign airlines. CNN Brasil, citing an Israeli official and a source familiar with the inquiry, reported that co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami may have intended to target Ben Gurion Airport. The sources said the investigation is at an early stage and his intentions remain unclear.
Israel’s Tax Authority confirmed it had received the names of all passengers and crew before takeoff. It referred questions about crew background checks to the Transport Ministry. The Shin Bet also directed CNN Brasil to the ministry, describing it as responsible for security matters involving foreign airlines.
The ministry said its procedures do not include checking crew members’ names. The lists are sent to the Tax Authority, which can make them available to security services for consultation. The ministry said crew members need visas to enter Israel and that the suspect’s Omani passport should have triggered an alert at check-in. It also said its procedures do not specifically address threats posed by a pilot.
The UAE attorney general said the co-pilot attacked captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Crew members and passengers subdued him. Emirati authorities are leading the investigation into the motive and circumstances. Flydubai said it could not comment while the inquiry is under way.
CNN previously reported that investigators had found no known links between the suspect and terrorist organisations. Earlier sources also told the network he had been removed from pilot training at Oman Air over concerns about extremist views. Those claims, like reports about a possible target, remain part of an ongoing investigation.