Maldivian Pilots Deported from UAE Over Flydubai Flight Investigation
Two Maldivian pilots detained in the UAE following an attempted crash of a Flydubai flight to Israel have been deported and questioned upon returning home.
Pilots Deported to Maldives Following Flydubai Investigation
Two pilot crew members from the Maldives, previously detained in the United Arab Emirates following a thwarted intentional crash attempt on a Flydubai flight to Israel, have been deported and returned to their homeland.
The pilots were initially detained on October 3, just days after the serious incident aboard flight FZ1073. According to reports from the Maldives, both individuals knew the primary suspect, co-pilot Hamam al-Hamami, through their employment with the airline. UAE authorities have not released official statements detailing specific suspicions or public evidence linking them to the terror plot.
Police Interrogation Upon Arrival
Maldives police spokesperson Ahmed Shiyam confirmed that the two pilots arrived at Velana International Airport, where law enforcement officers met and questioned them regarding the case.
The individuals were not arrested upon their return to the country, and police are continuing to clarify the circumstances of the incident. At this stage, no official announcements regarding potential legal measures have been made.
Reports indicate the two were expelled from the United Arab Emirates, though Emirati authorities have remained silent regarding an official announcement. This development follows reports that the men were held for 12 days without access to legal counsel, family contact, or consular visits from Maldivian embassy representatives.
Unresolved Suspicions and Investigation Status
The arrests sparked significant interest due to suspicions that the co-pilot who attempted to crash the plane maintained accomplices within the airline. Previous reports suggested the detained pilots coordinated flight schedules to Israel with al-Hamami, though tangible evidence supporting these claims remains scarce.
Despite ongoing scrutiny, the UAE Attorney General stated on October 9 that al-Hamami claimed during interrogation to have acted entirely alone. The recent deportation leaves open questions as to whether authorities dropped the investigation due to a lack of evidence or administrative decisions.
