1. Israel’s N12 television news has reported that a contractor overseeing security approvals for foreign airlines also received payment for private training from flydubai, alleging a potential conflict of interest.

The transport ministry said his outside activities had been legally approved and were conducted outside his ministry working hours, according to the response published by N12.

In its report on 5 October, N12 identified the contractor as Dvir Rubinstein, director of the ministry’s aviation security operations centre. It said his responsibilities included security approvals and permits for airlines and flights entering Israel.

The broadcaster reported that Rubinstein travelled to the United Arab Emirates to provide private training for flydubai and Emirates while also overseeing those airlines through his ministry role.

N12 said he owned a private company called Dvir and worked for the ministry through an outsourcing arrangement rather than as a civil servant.

Israeli news outlet Ynet also reported the ministry’s explanation that his outside activities were approved. It said the ministry had not specifically addressed the implications of his providing private services to airlines within his professional remit.

The report followed an incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Israel. The UAE prosecutor general said the co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft, according to Reuters.

Reuters reported that passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot and a reserve pilot aboard the flight landed the aircraft in Saudi Arabia. The suspect was subsequently transferred to UAE custody.

Reuters said in its 5 October report that the UAE had not announced formal charges and that it was unclear whether the co-pilot had appointed legal counsel.

A separate Australian investigation is examining the man’s links to the country. The Australian Federal Police told Reuters that the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team was conducting the inquiry.

The team includes federal police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

RMIT University confirmed in a statement dated 5 October that the individual had been enrolled between 2015 and 2017 but had not completed an engineering qualification. It said it could not comment further while the investigation continued.