UAE prosecutors expand probe into Flydubai mid-air attack, summon two more pilots

Prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates have confirmed the main details of an attempt to bring down a Flydubai Boeing 737 Max on a September 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The investigation has widened to two more pilots, both from the Maldives.

The airline employees were summoned for questioning on October 10. Their possible role is not clear, and no allegation against them has been described.

According to the prosecutor's account, the 29-year-old first officer on flight FZ1073 attacked the captain with the aircraft's emergency axe. The captain fought back and opened the cockpit door. A pilot travelling as a passenger, helped by a cabin crew member and several passengers, restrained the attacker.

Investigators said the first officer put the aircraft into a steep descent during the assault and tried to destroy instruments. His intention, they stated, was to steer the jet into the passenger terminal at Tel Aviv airport.

In questioning, the man said he had acted alone and that the September 11, 2001 attacks had inspired him. He said he was radicalised while studying in Australia between 2017 and 2019.

His previous employer, Oman Air, had removed the Omani national from flying duties over extremist tendencies, yet he was able to move to Flydubai. The government of the Maldives has been in contact over its two citizens, who have not worked for the Dubai carrier for long.

Whether the first officer acted alone remains unresolved. Prosecutors have not said the two summoned pilots are suspects.