Two Maldivian pilots are in custody over the Dubai–Tel-Aviv flight attack, but no direct involvement has been confirmed. The Omani co-pilot is accused of attempting to crash the plane into Ben-Gurion Airport.
Maldivian pilots detained in UAE
Two Maldivian pilots working for flydubai have been placed in custody in the United Arab Emirates as part of the ongoing investigation into the September 30 attack on a Dubai–Tel-Aviv flight. According to Maldivian media, the pilots were aware of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and trying to take control of the aircraft. However, no official confirmation of their involvement in the alleged plot has been made by Emirati authorities.Additional pilots detained
Maldivian media reports indicate that two other flydubai pilots, also of Maldivian nationality, were detained on October 3. Their families were informed by the Maldives embassy in the UAE. According to the news outlet Mihaaru, these pilots lived with the Omani co-pilot and worked with him. These connections are currently the main links mentioned by the press, but they do not confirm involvement in the attack.No official charges confirmed
Emirati authorities have not publicly stated the reasons for the detention of the two Maldivian pilots or their potential role in the incident. It is important to note that their arrest, reported by the media, is separate from any official charges that may be announced by the public prosecutor.Flight diverted after cockpit attack
On September 30, flight FZ1073 operated by flydubai was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia after an attack in the cockpit. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft carried 174 passengers, including 166 Israelis. The UAE Attorney General stated that the Omani co-pilot had attempted to seize control of the plane to crash it into Tel-Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport passenger terminal.Crew intervention saves the plane
According to the public prosecutor, the co-pilot struck the Indian captain with an emergency axe found in the cockpit. Forensic evidence supports this account. The crew of the return flight intervened, with a pilot noticing unusual movements near the cockpit. After entering with an access code, the pilot and others helped subdue the attacker and rescue the captain. The return flight crew then took control and diverted the plane to Tabuk.Co-pilot’s background under review
The recruitment of the Omani co-pilot is being investigated. He worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining flydubai. He made two flights to Tel-Aviv to familiarize himself with the route. His pilot’s license, certificate of good conduct, and other security checks did not indicate extremist beliefs or intentions to commit an attack.Suspect claims to have acted alone
The public prosecutor reported that the suspect stated he acted alone, though this is still under verification. Investigators continue to look into possible accomplices and are analyzing recordings and technical reports. The October 9 statement does not mention the two Maldivian pilots.India launches investigation
India’s National Investigation Agency has opened an investigation into the attack on the Indian captain of flight FZ1073 and the alleged attempt to hijack or destroy the aircraft. This follows the incident involving the Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar.Flights to Israel suspended
Flydubai suspended all flights to and from Israel immediately after the incident, in coordination with authorities. The company stated that the suspension would allow investigators to continue their work and establish all facts surrounding the event.
