Criminal10/11/2026

Two Colleagues of Pilot Who Planned Attack on Ben Gurion Airport Arrested in UAE

Two pilots from the Maldives employed by flydubai were arrested in the United Arab Emirates. They had been in professional contact with Omani first officer Hammam al-Hammami. Investigators are examining his circle of contacts following the attempted takeover of flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Key facts

•Flight: flydubai FZ1073, Dubai — Tel Aviv
•Incident: September 30
•Publication: October 11, 2026
•Two pilots arrested — Maldivian nationals
•Place of detention: held in police custody in the UAE
•The source did not report that charges had been filed against the detainees

What Is Known About the Arrest

According to a report published by the Maldivian media outlet Adhadhu, the pilots were arrested on Saturday, and on Tuesday the Maldivian Embassy in the UAE officially informed their families. For several days, their relatives were not told where they were being held. It is unclear whether the pilots were arrested as suspects or solely for investigative purposes; there was no indication that they may have assisted al-Hammami.

The Connection to the Suspect

The detainees are among six Maldivian pilots employed by flydubai and, according to the report, were the two most recent employees in the group. Through their work, they established professional ties with Hammam al-Hammami. The Maldivian authorities provided no additional details.

The Attack Plan and Events Aboard the Aircraft

The UAE Public Prosecution said that al-Hammami confessed that he had intended to act alone. According to the authorities’ account, he planned to seize the aircraft and direct it toward the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport in an attack modeled on the September 11 attacks; he had previously traveled to Tel Aviv to study the route and the airport. According to reports, on September 30 he attacked the Indian captain, Sumit Machhar, with an emergency axe. The captain, who was seriously wounded, opened the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew members subdued the attacker, while two off-duty pilots who were aboard the aircraft landed it in Saudi Arabia.

What the Investigation Seeks to Clarify

Despite al-Hammami’s confession that he acted alone, UAE investigators continue to examine his professional and personal relationships. The source does not report that charges have been filed against the detained pilots, that a judicial ruling has been issued, or which legal provision applies to their case.

What this means for you

The report does not change aviation rules or legislation in Israel: it concerns an ongoing investigation in the UAE. For travelers from Israel, the practical significance is that the authorities are investigating not only the actions of the direct suspect but also his professional circle. The mere arrest of his two colleagues does not establish their involvement or knowledge.

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