After flydubai attack, how secure are pilots and cockpits?

On October 2, a shocking incident unfolded on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv en route to Israel. During the journey over Saudi Arabia, the co-pilot suddenly attacked his captain, apparently attempting to crash the plane. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the plane narrowly avoided a "9/11-style crash" when the captain and passengers managed to subdue the attacker.

The captain, an Indian national named Smit Machchhar, was taken to the hospital and recovered. The UAE has launched an investigation into a potential terrorist connection, while Netanyahu called for a thorough probe.

Security checks for both passengers and crew, including pilots, are stringent. Pilots undergo the same airport security procedures as passengers, including metal detectors and X-ray scans for carry-on luggage. Depending on the size of the departure airport, they go through dedicated security lanes. Following the 9/11 attacks, access to the cockpit has been reinforced, and pilots can now lock the door if they feel threatened. However, this incident was unique, as the threat came from within the cockpit itself.

In recent years, mental health has become a critical factor in ensuring pilot safety. The 2015 Germanwings crash, where a depressed pilot intentionally crashed the plane, sparked a global conversation about monitoring the mental well-being of crew members. Airlines generally do not disclose their mental health protocols due to confidentiality concerns.

In the flydubai case, details about the attacker's background remain unclear, with the UAE linking the incident to "Islamist radical indoctrination." The Indian Prime Minister hailed the captain as a "hero" for his swift actions in preventing a disaster.