The Maldivian embassy in the United Arab Emirates has disclosed for the first time the charges against two junior pilots arrested in connection with the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, revealing they are suspected of coordinating with the terrorist pilot to infiltrate the Israel route.
The two pilots, both Maldivian nationals, have been held in UAE security detention since Saturday. Until now, no details had been released about their case, despite inquiries from their families.
According to the embassy statement, the two are recent recruits to Flydubai who maintained active contact with Hammam al-Hammami, the pilot who attempted to divert a flight to Israel. Authorities suspect al-Hammami may have played an active role in bringing them into the airline.
UAE investigators say the two pilots maintained close communication with the terrorist and worked to position themselves on flights to Tel Aviv. They are being held under security investigation with no prospect of release or family visits, despite repeated requests from relatives.
The Maldivian presidency and foreign ministry declined to comment on the case or the embassy's statements, saying the matter is under UAE jurisdiction.
