Flydubai pilot's attempted hijacking prompts scrutiny of aviation vetting procedures
An attempted hijacking on a Flydubai flight to Israel has highlighted gaps in pilot background checks and cockpit security, leading to investigations by UAE, Israel and Saudi authorities.
A Flydubai flight bound for Israel was diverted after a co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft, an incident that authorities say was thwarted by the captain and other crew members. The suspect, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, had previously been dismissed from Oman Air over concerns about extremist views, raising questions about the effectiveness of background checks for airline personnel.
Security analysts noted that post-9/11 measures primarily focus on preventing external threats, such as weapons or explosives being brought aboard, and are less equipped to address the possibility of a crew member turning hostile. "A lot of the post-9/11 security measures that were adopted were meant to prevent an external threat – loading bombs or things onto an aircraft, you know, preventing a threat from amongst the passenger base from getting access to cockpits," said national security analyst Alex Plitsas.
Experts explained that pilot licensing and security clearances are governed nationally, resulting in varying standards. Aviation specialist Alastair Rosenschein said that airside passes, which grant access to non-passenger areas, typically require police and background checks, but the exact procedures differ by country. He added, "There’s not really anything cast in stone as to how people are vetted – and there should be."
The incident also brought attention to cockpit equipment, as the attacker used the aircraft’s crash axe, a tool intended for emergency access. Rosenschein questioned its presence on the flight deck, stating, "You have a weapon on the flight deck. Should that remain there? I don’t think it should."
Investigations are under way in the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Officials expect to examine the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, review the pilot’s medical and training records, and interview crew and passengers. Israel’s transport ministry said its procedures do not include vetting crew members beyond visa checks, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a comprehensive review of foreign civil aviation security entering the country.
Industry observers argue that more uniform, international standards for pilot background checks, psychological assessments and information sharing are needed to address internal threats and improve overall aviation safety.