Two Maldivian pilots employed by flydubai have reportedly been detained by UAE police over alleged links to Omani co-pilot Hammam Al-Hammami, who is accused of attacking the captain during a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
The reported detentions took place on 3 October, according to the Maldivian news portal Adhadhu. The Maldives embassy in the UAE has formally informed the pilots' families about their detention. Maldivian officials have declined to comment, while UAE authorities have not released official details about the allegations or the status of the investigation.
The development follows the reported expansion of a UAE inquiry into an incident on 30 September. Al-Hammami is accused of trying to seize and crash the flight while attacking Indian captain Smit Machhar in the cockpit. Reports differ on whether the weapon was an axe or a knife.
What the reports say about the detained pilots
Miharu reported that the two men were believed to have been in contact with Al-Hammami at their workplace. They were also reportedly living in the same building as him. However, officials have not publicly explained the nature of their alleged connection or disclosed evidence against them.
The report from edition.mv identified the two men as among six Maldivian citizens working as pilots for flydubai. They were also described as the airline's most recently recruited pilots from the Maldives. These details remain part of media reporting, as authorities have not issued a public account of the case.
Details of the flight incident
The flight involved was FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and crew members on board. During the flight, Al-Hammami allegedly attacked Machhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Machhar was seriously injured but continued to confront the attacker. He then opened the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to enter. They helped restrain the co-pilot and assisted in stabilising the aircraft.
The plane later made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. The incident is being examined as an alleged attempted hijacking and terrorist attack, according to the reporting cited in the case.
What remains unconfirmed
There has been no official disclosure of the charges, if any, faced by the two detained Maldivian pilots. UAE authorities have also not confirmed whether investigators have established a specific role for them in the alleged plot.
The available reports therefore establish that the pilots were reportedly detained and that their families were notified by the Maldivian embassy. They do not establish guilt or provide a public account of the evidence being examined.
Conclusion
Two Maldivian flydubai pilots were reportedly detained in the UAE on 3 October as authorities expanded their inquiry into the alleged cockpit attack involving Al-Hammami. Official information about their alleged involvement, charges and the investigation remains unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who was reportedly detained?
Two Maldivian pilots working for flydubai were reportedly detained by UAE police.
Q. When were the pilots reportedly detained?
The reported detentions took place on 3 October.
Q. What is the alleged connection to Al-Hammami?
Media reports said the pilots were believed to have been in contact with Al-Hammami at work and lived in the same building as him. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the nature of that connection.
Q. What happened on flight FZ1073?
The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when Al-Hammami allegedly attacked captain Smit Machhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Q. How many people were on the flight?
FZ1073 was carrying 174 passengers and crew members.
Q. Where did the aircraft land?
The aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Q. Have UAE authorities announced charges against the detained pilots?
No official information about charges or the investigation status has been released in the supplied reports.
