Israel tightened scrutiny of flight crews after an incident on a Dubai–Tel Aviv service. The Russian carrier says it will continue operating flights to the country.
Russian carrier Red Wings said it had received additional requirements from Israel’s aviation authorities following an incident on a Flydubai flight. The airline told RBC that its crew selection and training system met the new requirements and that it would continue operating flights to Israel in full.
On September 30, a Flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv issued a possible hijacking alert and changed course. It made an unscheduled landing in Saudi Arabia. RBC reported that 174 passengers were on board. A confrontation between the pilots took place, with one attacking the other.
Israeli authorities were examining the incident as a possible attempted terrorist attack, including the possibility that one pilot had deliberately tried to cause a crash. On October 3, the United Arab Emirates’ public prosecutor also described it as an attempted terrorist attack. Reuters reported that Israel would tighten checks on pilots operating flights to the country.
Red Wings said it observes enhanced flight-safety standards and pays particular attention to the selection and training of pilots and other crew members.