Two Maldivian pilots detained in UAE over alleged hijacking plot
Two Maldivian pilots employed by flydubai were arrested in the UAE on October 3. They are linked to an alleged attempt to hijack flight FZ1073, which occurred on September 30, injuring Indian Captain Smit Machchhar. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board when an Omani co-pilot attacked Machchhar with an axe. The pilots reportedly interacted with the accused co-pilot and lived in the same building. The UAE has not disclosed specific details regarding the evidence against the detained pilots. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Published 9 hours ago • 13 Oct 2026, 09:09 PM IST