Israeli authorities are investigating how an Omani national was permitted to serve as a pilot aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, following Wednesday’s suspected attempt to crash the aircraft.

According to CNN, the Shin Bet, Mossad, IDF and Transportation Ministry are all involved in the investigation into the extraordinary incident aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073.

Two Israeli officials confirmed to CNN that one of the pilots aboard the flight was an Omani national. One of the officials identified him as the copilot who allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain during the flight.

One of the central questions now being examined by Israeli authorities is how a pilot from Oman — a country that does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Israel — received clearance to operate a flight into Ben Gurion Airport.

“It is not yet clear how the Omani pilot would have obtained clearance to fly to Israel,” CNN reported.

The issue has taken on added significance as Israeli security officials increasingly investigate the possibility that the violent cockpit incident was a deliberate terror attack.

The copilot allegedly attacked the captain during the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, after which the Boeing 737 MAX plunged dramatically from its cruising altitude. Passengers intervened and subdued the alleged attacker, while other pilots aboard the aircraft reportedly took control.

(YWN Israel Desk — Jerusalem)