The investigation into the Flydubai stabbing incident has expanded significantly, leading to the detention of two Maldivian pilots. This development occurred just three days after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian pilot Smit Machchhar on September 30. The two pilots were taken into custody in the United Arab Emirates on October 3, as reported by PTI, citing the Maldivian news portal Adhadhu. Their identities remain undisclosed, but their families have been informed by the Maldivian Embassy in the UAE.

Details of the Allegations Against the Pilots

The authorities have not confirmed the specifics of the allegations against the detained pilots. They are reportedly being investigated for their alleged connections to the co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, who is an Omani national. According to the Maldivian newspaper Mihaaru, the two pilots are believed to have interacted with al-Hammami at their workplace and shared accommodation with him.

However, the nature of their alleged links to the incident has not been publicly disclosed by officials. It has been reported that the two detained individuals are among six Maldivian nationals employed as pilots for Flydubai, and they are among the airline’s most recent recruits from the Maldives. The incident in question involved flight FZ1073, which was transporting 174 passengers and crew members from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the attack occurred.

During the incident, al-Hammami, aged 29, allegedly assaulted pilot Machchhar with an axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar managed to resist the attack and successfully unlocked the cockpit door. Crew members and passengers then intervened, overpowering the co-pilot and helping to stabilise the aircraft. The plane made an emergency landing at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Actions

The UAE authorities have indicated that al-Hammami is suspected of endorsing extremist ideologies. Furthermore, it has been revealed that Omani authorities had previously denied him a pilot’s licence. Investigators are currently looking into how he was able to secure a position with Flydubai despite this restriction, as well as the motive behind the alleged attack.

The UAE Attorney General has announced that a thorough investigation is underway, in collaboration with regional security agencies, to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. This includes determining whether al-Hammami had any affiliations with other individuals or groups. Concurrently, in India, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to investigate the mid-air assault and uncover any larger conspiracy linked to it.

The case has been filed under the Anti-Hijacking Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, thereby placing the incident within the jurisdiction of India’s anti-terror investigation agency. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously reported that pilot Machchhar is responding positively to treatment following surgery at a hospital in Abu Dhabi. The Indian Embassy in the UAE has maintained regular communication with his family, medical staff, and local authorities to closely monitor his condition.

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