Two Maldivians have reportedly been detained in the United Arab Emirates in connection with an investigation into an alleged attempted hijacking and terrorist attack aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Israel, local media Mihaaru reported.
According to information obtained by Mihaaru, the two Maldivians lived in the same building as Hammam Al-Hamani, an Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the flight’s captain with what was described as a “crash hammer.”
Mihaaru reported that both Maldivians are also employed as co-pilots. However, it remains unclear whether authorities suspect them of direct involvement in the alleged attack or have detained them as part of the wider investigation.
No official information has yet been released detailing the allegations, if any, against the two Maldivians.
According to the report, the incident occurred last Wednesday on a flight carrying 182 passengers, including a large number of Israeli nationals.
The captain was reportedly injured after being attacked inside the cockpit. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Mihaaru reported that UAE authorities have described the co-pilot’s alleged actions as an attempted terrorist attack.
The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Omani national Hammam Al-Hamani. The report further stated that Omani authorities had previously prevented him from working as a pilot over suspected extremist views, prompting questions over how he was later recruited by flydubai.
The UAE Attorney General has reportedly confirmed that authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation in coordination with regional security agencies to establish the motive behind the incident and determine whether there are links to any organised groups.
The circumstances surrounding the detention of the two Maldivians remain unclear, and no charges against them have been publicly announced.
