New rulebook for rogue pilots? flydubai attack puts 9/11-era aviation security in doubt
A violent incident involving a Flydubai co-pilot attacking the captain mid-flight has prompted a review of aviation security protocols. The event has raised concerns about pilot screening and cockpit security, which have remained largely unchanged since the post-9/11 era.
Why it matters
It exposes a potential vulnerability in aviation safety where the threat originates from within the flight crew rather than external hijackers.
NEW DELHI: The attack by a Flydubai co-pilot on the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has renewed questions about whether aviation security needs another overhaul, 25 years after the September 11 attacks transformed how airlines protect their aircraft.The September 30 incident saw the aircraft plunge around 16,000 feet in 30 seconds after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with an emergency crash axe. The aircraft was eventually brought under control and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower the attacker.
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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