Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Oct 7: Flydubai has sought permission to resume flights to Israel, a week after a copilot allegedly attempted to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, but Israel’s Transportation Minister Miri Regev has declined the request, according to Channel 13.

The airline reportedly told Israeli authorities that its investigation into the September 30 incident was nearing completion and that several employees had been dismissed. Israeli Transportation Ministry officials have also been invited to Dubai next week as part of discussions related to the incident, the report said.

The Omani copilot, Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked the captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 passengers and crew, was forced to divert and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the captain and passengers managed to overpower the copilot.

Following the incident, Israel suspended flydubai flights to and from the country while investigations were underway. The airline had operated regular services between Dubai and Tel Aviv before the suspension.

The incident has also prompted Israel to consider tighter security checks for foreign pilots and crew members operating flights into the country. Under draft requirements reportedly being considered, non-Israeli crew members would need to submit details 48 hours before a flight for government review. Crew from countries classified as high-risk could face additional screening by Israel's security agencies.

The incident has raised questions over the vetting of foreign flight crew and aviation security procedures following the alleged attempt to take control of the aircraft.