UAE prosecutors have questioned two additional Flydubai pilots as investigators examine whether the co-pilot accused of attempting to seize control of flight FZ1073 acted alone. The incident occurred on 30 September aboard a Boeing 737 MAX flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft, carrying 174 people, diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers, cabin crew and two reserve pilots subdued the attacker.
The 29-year-old Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to damage cockpit instruments while the aircraft entered a steep descent. UAE investigators believe he intended to crash the aircraft into the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport. He reportedly told prosecutors that he acted alone, but the investigation continues to examine his contacts and possible assistance.
The two additional pilots, identified in regional reports as Maldivian nationals, reportedly had professional contact with the accused and lived in the same building. Their names, legal status and any suspected involvement have not been publicly disclosed. Reports differ over whether they were arrested or summoned for questioning, and there is no established evidence that they knew about or supported the alleged attack.
Authorities had previously indicated that Flydubai’s standard security and professional checks had not identified extremist views or attack plans in the accused pilot.