Two newly recruited Maldivian pilots, employees of flydubai, were taken into custody by Dubai police on Saturday, 29 April 2024, on allegations of plotting a terror attack. The arrests come as a shadow over the airline’s previous security scare.
The two men, the newest additions among six Maldivian crew members aboard flydubai, had previously flown routes that included Israel. They had crossed paths with Omani co‑pilot Hamam al‑Hammami, who is accused of attempting to hijack flight FZ1073 on 30 September 2023.
On that flight, al‑Hammami struck Captain Smit Machchhar with an axe and tried to seize control of the Boeing 737. Machchhar, an Indian national with over 13 years of experience, fended off the attack and opened the cockpit door, enabling an Israeli passenger to intervene. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Israeli jets scrambled to secure the situation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Machchhar as a "hero", while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him a "true hero".
No official confirmation has been issued by the President’s Office or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the pilots have not been formally charged. The Maldivian Embassy in the UAE has informed families that the men are in custody, according to a Maldivian news outlet. President’s Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has yet to comment.
A passenger named Assaf claims crew members tried to loosen the alleged conspirator’s restraints and even attempted to administer a mysterious pill. He also alleges the flight was staffed with only male attendants to facilitate a planned crash at Ben Gurion Airport. These allegations remain unverified.
Authorities are continuing their investigation while flydubai cooperates with the inquiry. The outcome of the probe will determine whether the pilots face charges or are released, and it will shape the airline’s future security protocols.