Flydubai attack: UAE detains 2 Maldivian pilots over links with accused co-pilot - report
UAE authorities have detained two Maldivian pilots as part of an investigation into a recent attempted terrorist attack on a Flydubai flight. The suspects are being questioned regarding their potential links to the accused co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, who allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in aviation and the potential for extremist infiltration within airline personnel.
The probe into the flydubai stabbing incident has widened as two Maldivian pilots were also detained just 3 days after Omani copilot attacked Indian pilot Smit Machchhar on September 30.The two Maldivian pilots were detained in UAE on October 3, as per PTI quoting Maldivian news portal Adhadhu. Their identities have not been revelaed publicly, however, their families have been formally informed by the Maldivian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, there has been no confirmation on this development by the authorities.The arrests come as authorities investigate the alleged links of the two men to the accused co-pilot, Omani national Hammam al-Hammami.According to Maldivian newspaper Mihaaru (cited by PTI), the two pilots are believed to have interacted with al-Hammami at their workplace and lived in the same building as him.
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