Ethiopian Airlines Flight Turned Away From Israel After Pilot Revealed to Be Indonesian
Israeli authorities turned back the cargo plane after a manifest check found an Indonesian crew member, highlighting gaps in predeparture screening.
- On Monday, an Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight from Addis Ababa was denied entry into Israeli airspace after authorities discovered one of its pilots was an Indonesian national, from a country with no diplomatic ties to Israel.
- The aircraft was ordered to turn around while still in Ethiopia's airspace; upon returning to Addis Ababa, the Indonesian pilot was replaced by an authorized pilot, allowing the plane to land at Ben-Gurion Airport.
- Last week, the Knesset's Intelligence Subcommittee reported that over 1,200 aviation crew members from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel may have entered the country, revealing systemic screening failures by the Transportation Ministry.
- Despite the 2023 National Passenger Screening Center Law, the Transportation Ministry reported that the database only provides crew nationality information shortly before departure, preventing effective advance security checks before aircraft enter Israeli airspace.
- Following State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman's report identifying serious security gaps, the National Security Council is leading a comprehensive review to reformulate aviation security policy, involving the Finance Ministry, Israel Airports Authority, and Shin Bet.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Following the Indonesian pilot's incident, Ethiopian Airlines cargo planes were banned from landing in Israel. This rule was in place following the FlyDubai incident.
The Israeli aviation authorities denied permission to land the Ethiopian Airlines cargo aircraft when they discovered on the Indonesian crew list the Israeli Ynet portal. An Ethiopian Airlines cargo aircraft leaving Addis Ababa on Monday to Tel Aviv did not get permission to land because of the presence of an Indonesian citizen on the crew. An Indonesian national was found on board the air services after taking off, handed over TASS with referen…
Aircraft returns to Addis Ababa before resuming journey to Tel Aviv with replacement pilot, says Channel 12
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
