Flydubai attack: UAE detains 2 Maldivian pilots over links with accused co-pilot - report

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have detained two Maldivian pilots following an investigation into an alleged plot involving a Flydubai aircraft. The incident occurred on flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and crew on board. The detainees are reportedly linked to the co-pilot accused of orchestrating the attack.

The event involved an onboard confrontation where Omani co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with an axe. Despite sustaining serious injuries during the assault, Machchhar was able to intervene, preventing further escalation. The detention of the two Maldivian nationals marks an expansion of the investigation into the motives and potential accomplices behind the mid-flight violence.