flydubai cockpit attack probe widens: Two Maldivian pilots detained in UAE over links to Omani co-pilot
Two male Maldivian pilots working for flydubai have been detained by UAE police as the investigation into an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight intensifies, media reports said.
The two pilots were taken into custody on October 3, according to reports.
Their families have now been informed of their arrest, Adhadhu reported.
UAE police have not released any official details regarding the allegations, while Maldivian authorities have declined to comment, India Today reported.
Alleged links to Omani co-pilot
The two detained pilots are among six Maldivian nationals working as pilots for flydubai.
They are believed to have interacted with Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who is accused of attempting to take control of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on September 30.
According to reports, al-Hammami attacked Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with an axe and allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
The airline described the incident as an “altercation” on the flight deck.
Indian captain credited with preventing aircraft takeover
Captain Machchhar reportedly managed to fend off the attack and open the cockpit door. An Israeli passenger is said to have entered the cockpit and helped restrain the accused.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely, according to the airline.
Machchhar, an Indian national with more than 13 years of experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft, joined flydubai in 2022.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the captain, calling him a “HERO”, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described him as a “true hero” who saved 174 lives.
India's embassy in the UAE later said Machchhar was recovering well in a hospital in the country. The Indian ambassador also met members of his family.
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