Israel redirects Ethiopian Airlines flight after detecting Indonesian pilot
An Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for Tel Aviv was ordered to return to Addis Ababa when Israeli authorities identified an Indonesian crew member, which they consider prohibited.
A Tel Aviv-bound Ethiopian Airlines service left Addis Ababa but was ordered to reverse course after Israeli intelligence identified an Indonesian pilot on board, a nationality barred from operating flights to Israel. The plane was still within Ethiopian airspace when Israeli authorities issued the directive, and it returned to Addis Ababa where the pilot was swapped out. The airline later resumed the journey and landed in Tel Aviv without further incident.
Ethiopian Airlines described the episode as an oversight, noting it had not been informed of the prohibition. Israeli officials have reportedly urged all foreign airlines to refrain from employing pilots from countries lacking diplomatic relations with Israel, naming several nations including Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Niger, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Venezuela. No comment has been received from either the Ethiopian or Indonesian governments. The incident follows a recent attempted hijacking of a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv.
Why it matters
It shows how Israel's security policies can affect international airline operations and crew assignments.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Netanyahu hails Indian pilot who thwarted alleged flydubai sabotage
- Oct 3 UAE prosecutors have classified the March incident on Flydubai flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv as a terrorist attack after a co-pilot used an emergency axe against the pilot.
- Oct 3 The weapon used in the attack was identified as a small axe.
- Oct 3 The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
- Oct 3 Specialised investigators are analysing physical and digital evidence to determine the co‑pilot's motives and identify any potential ties to external extremist organisations.
- Oct 4 Australia’s joint counter-terrorism team is probing the background of the flydubai co-pilot who stabbed the captain and tried to hijack the Dubai-to-Israel flight.
- Oct 5 Al‑Hammami was transferred to UAE authorities for interrogation.
- Oct 6 President Trump warned of harsh retaliation against Iran if involvement is proven.
- Oct 6 Interrogations revealed the co‑pilot said his motive was revenge for Gaza and that he had earlier been prohibited from flying due to extremist concerns.
- Oct 8 The Everest ransomware group announced a breach of FlyDubai’s systems and issued an extortion demand.
- Oct 9 The co‑pilot told investigators he acted alone and had met all security requirements.
- Oct 9 The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 11 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full probe of foreign civil‑aviation security measures for Israeli airports.
- Oct 13 New Zealand authorities confirmed al‑Hammami held a student visa for pilot training in Hamilton.
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