Maldives citizens detained after attempted terror attack on FlyDubai flight

Two Maldives citizens, both co-pilots for FlyDubai, have been detained in the UAE on suspicion of involvement in an attempted terror attack on a flight to Israel. The arrest took place on October 3. The suspects were acquainted with the main defendant, Hamam al-Hammami, and lived in the same building as him. FlyDubai has extended its suspension of flights to Israel until the end of the month.

Two citizens of the Republic of Maldives, working as co-pilots for the airline FlyDubai, have been detained in the UAE on suspicion of involvement in an attempted terror attack on a flight bound for Israel. The arrest was made on October 3, 2026. The Maldivian diplomatic mission in the UAE has notified the families of the detainees. The investigation has established that the suspects were personally acquainted with the main defendant, Hamam al-Hammami, and all of them lived in the same residential building. The detainees had previously operated commercial flights to Israel. Their names have not been disclosed. Following the incident on September 30, when an attempt was made to hijack an aircraft, FlyDubai extended its suspension of flights to Israel until the end of the month. The company has fired a number of security personnel. Israeli authorities believe that FlyDubai committed serious violations of international transport regulations and view the incident as a matter of interstate relations.