Israel: Israel has implemented stringent security regulations following an attempt by an extremist pilot from Oman to hijack a Flydubai aircraft.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also launched an investigation into this incident, which involved an attack on an Indian pilot. On September 30, an extremist pilot from Oman attempted to hijack and crash a Flydubai flight. In response, airlines such as Air France and United Airlines have imposed restrictions preventing pilots and flight crew from 31 nations—countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel—from entering Israeli territory. This list includes Pakistan, a nation notorious for harboring extremists.
Israel maintains a policy prohibiting nationals from countries with which it lacks diplomatic relations from participating in flight operations within its territory. Despite the absence of diplomatic ties with Oman, a pilot from that nation attempted to hijack a plane bound for Israel. Consequently, Israel has further tightened its regulations, imposing a strict ban on pilots from these 30-plus nations. This list includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Qatar, Iran, and Iraq, alongside Pakistan. Air France and United Airlines have issued directives to their pilots to implement this rule.
Air France has sent a memo to its pilots and flight crew, mandating strict adherence to this new security regulation. It has warned that any violation of the rule could result in legal action and internal disciplinary measures.
Restrictions applicable to 31 Muslim-majority nations:
According to a report by a French investigative website, these new Israeli regulations primarily apply to 31 Muslim-majority countries. The list includes nations such as Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Tunisia. Personnel—including those with dual citizenship—holding nationality from these countries are being excluded from operating flights to Tel Aviv. Attack on Smith Machhar: India’s NIA Launches Investigation
India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to investigate the attack on Captain Smith Machhar, an Indian national who was piloting a Flydubai aircraft. The FIR invokes provisions of the Anti-Hijacking Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The NIA has alleged that the attack on Captain Smith Machhar was carried out with the “clear intent to hijack or cause an accident to the Flydubai aircraft.” An Omani pilot has been named as the primary accused in the case.