- A U.S. delegation will review Israeli screening procedures after the alleged cockpit attack on Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
- Israeli citizens still qualify for visa-free travel to the United States for eligible visits of up to 90 days with ESTA approval.
- Israel is considering an aviation information form submitted at least 48 hours before departure; Flydubai’s request to resume flights remains pending.
A U.S. delegation is expected to visit Israel to review its security procedures after an alleged cockpit attack aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. The review will examine whether Israeli authorities meet the screening commitments tied to the Visa Waiver Program. The program remains in force.
The incident unfolded on September 30, 2026, as the flight traveled from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers and crew. Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency crash axe. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
UAE authorities characterized the incident as a terrorist attack. Israeli and international authorities began examining how the co-pilot had been cleared to work on a flight to Israel. Questions have centered on advance information about foreign passengers and aircrew, especially personnel from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel.
Israeli citizens have not lost visa-free access to the United States. No suspension or termination has been announced.
The U.S. delegation is expected to examine advance screening
The delegation is expected in Israel in the coming days after reportedly reviewing aviation-security procedures in the United Arab Emirates. Its assessment will focus on whether Israeli authorities receive identifying details about passengers and crews before arrival, then review those details through required security channels.
The obligations stem from the conditions Israel agreed to when it joined the program in 2023. One reported requirement covers information on all passengers and aircrew arriving in Israel. The issue is whether the country’s procedures satisfy those commitments, including when foreign crew members are involved.
The State Department has not publicly announced a suspension process or confirmed that Israel will be removed. A senior department official said it does not comment in advance on possible actions “as a general matter.” The review itself is not a change to travelers’ current status.
Israel’s transport ministry and prime minister are reviewing procedures
Israel’s Transportation Ministry reportedly said it does not conduct background checks on foreign pilots and lacked access to the crew list for the flight. The ministry also said it had instructed Flydubai to conduct the required checks. The airline had confirmed in writing that it applied restrictions on crew assignments for flights to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a broader security review of foreign airlines operating flights to Israel. Transportation Minister Miri Regev proposed a separate measure: passengers and crew would submit an “aviation visa” or designated information form at least 48 hours before departure.
Under Regev’s proposal, the Population and Immigration Authority would approve the submissions. The proposal followed questions about whether authorities receive and assess information about foreign flight personnel before they arrive. It is a suggested Israeli procedure, not an announced change to U.S. entry rules.
Israeli visitors still need ESTA approval before travel
Eligible Israeli citizens can visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a conventional visa. They must first obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The reported review does not currently require Israelis to apply for U.S. visas. Any change to visa-free access would require a formal U.S. decision and official implementation instructions. Until then, the existing travel process remains in place.
Flydubai is still awaiting permission to restart Israel flights
Flydubai has asked to resume flights to Israel, saying its investigation was nearing completion and employees had been dismissed. Israeli authorities had not approved the request in the reported coverage. The request remains a separate pending decision as officials examine the flight’s security failures.
