Regev Calls for Flydubai Suspension and Review of Israel-UAE Aviation Deal

Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev is calling for an immediate halt to flydubai flights operating to Israel after an incident on a flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday morning, according to reports in Hebrew-language media.

Regev has also instructed the Civil Aviation Authority to examine whether the United Arab Emirates breached the terms of its aviation arrangement with Israel. Under the agreement, pilots operating flights into Israel are required to hold passports issued by countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

Details of the incident remain unconfirmed. Reports have alleged that the flight’s co-pilot, described by some outlets as an Omani citizen, attacked the aircraft’s captain with a knife and then tried to cause the plane to crash. Passengers reportedly intervened and subdued the co-pilot.

The reports have drawn particular attention because Israel does not maintain diplomatic relations with Oman.

Regev’s demands come as authorities examine both the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether the presence of an Omani national in the cockpit was consistent with the requirements governing aviation between Israel and the UAE.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s review is expected to determine whether any provisions of the bilateral aviation agreement were violated and whether further action involving flydubai operations is warranted.