Abu Dhabi Airport Tightens Security for Israel-Bound Flights

Following a serious security breach that allowed the hijacking of a flydubai aircraft en route from Dubai to Israel, the United Arab Emirates is overhauling its security protocols. Israeli passengers arriving in recent days on Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi report strict new security measures at the local international airport.

According to the passengers, airport security authorities are subjecting travelers bound for Israel to a double screening process. The first check takes place during standard departure screening, while the second occurs directly at the boarding gate. Similar to protocols used by the Shin Bet for Israeli flights, passengers face secondary questioning by security personnel and rigorous explosive detection checks on their belongings.

Travelers familiar with the Abu Dhabi-Israel route noted that this week's procedures represent a significant tightening compared to past operations. "The checks this time were different. Right before the boarding gate area, screening systems and a questioning station were set up, and every passenger was required to undergo an extra, much stricter security check," said a passenger who landed at Ben Gurion Airport.