In response to the Sept. 30 FlyDubai hijacking incident, Israel has implemented a policy targeting pilots and cabin crew based on their nationality rather than religion. The directive prohibits individuals from countries without formal diplomatic ties with Israel, which includes nations like Algeria, Tunisia, Iran, and Pakistan. French citizens with ties to these nationalities are also impacted by the new rules.
The policy is already in effect, with major carriers like Air France complying. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, as seen when Israel turned away an Ethiopian Airlines flight due to a pilot's nationality. Recently, a cargo jet was forced to divert mid-flight after its pilot was found to be Indonesian, highlighting the strictness of the new measures.
The Israeli Transport Ministry faces criticism for its handling of security procedures, particularly following the FlyDubai incident. The hijacker, who had been banned from flying by Oman over extremist views, is now being interrogated in Dubai. Authorities believe he intended to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport's terminal, aiming to maximize casualties.
While the policy aims to enhance security, its implementation has sparked debate over its impact on international aviation and diplomatic relations. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing security with global travel and cooperation.