World · India Bureau
Security breach: Omani pilots flew to Israel despite diplomatic ban
Over a dozen pilots from Oman, a country without diplomatic ties to Israel, flew into Tel Aviv in an apparent breach of post-Abraham Accords regulations. The incident raised questions about enforcement of rules restricting flights from non-recognising nations.
LSN India ·
An aircraft carrying Omani pilots successfully landed in Tel Aviv, breaching security protocols established after the 2020 Abraham Accords, according to reports on Wednesday. More than 12 pilots from Oman, which maintains no formal diplomatic relations with Israel, were aboard the flight that entered Israeli airspace.
The breach highlights potential gaps in enforcement of rules introduced following the landmark Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Regulations stipulate that pilots from countries without diplomatic recognition of Israel are prohibited from flying into the country.
Alerts were raised during the flight, prompting Israeli passengers, the captain, and other crew members to intervene. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia as a result. Most passengers aboard were Israeli nationals, who were subsequently flown from Saudi Arabia to Israel to complete their journey.
The incident underscores security concerns regarding screening procedures at Israeli aviation authorities and raises questions about how such a significant breach of established protocols went undetected until mid-flight. Officials have not yet issued statements regarding the lapse or what measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents.