Dubai: Two Maldivian pilots have reportedly been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over allegations of involvement in a plot to bring down a Flydubai aircraft.
The case has raised serious aviation security concerns, with the reported allegations involving a potential threat to passenger safety.
The allegations remain unproven, and the circumstances surrounding the reported detentions have yet to be independently verified.
According to Maldivian news outlet Adhadhu, the families of the two pilots were informed by the Maldivian Embassy in the UAE that they were being held by police. Both reportedly worked for Flydubai and had workplace contact with Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, the main suspect in the September 30 incident.
The Flydubai aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar. Passengers and crew intervened, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed charges against the two Maldivian pilots or established their involvement in the alleged plot. The principal suspect reportedly told investigators that he acted alone.
