Two more pilots arrested in Ben Gurion Airport attack probe

Two Maldivian pilots working for Dubai-based airline Flydubai were arrested on 3^rd October as part of an investigation into an alleged plot to attack Ben Gurion Airport, reportedly planned by Omani co-pilot Humam al-Hamaymi, Israeli media reported.

The Israeli newspaper Kipa reported that the pilots’ families had received no information about their whereabouts for several days before the embassy later informed them that the two men were being held by local police.

According to the report, the two pilots knew al-Hamaymi, and published information indicates that all three lived in the same building. The reports also said that the Maldivian pilots operated flights to Israel as part of their work for Flydubai.

The UAE authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the suspicions against the two pilots or whether they are suspected of having prior knowledge of al-Hamaymi’s alleged plan, or whether their detention occurred as part of investigations into his personal and professional relationships.

The developments follow an announcement by the UAE Public Prosecution that al-Hamaymi admitted during questioning that he had planned the attack alone. However, the authorities are continuing to examine his connections and investigate whether anyone else knew about the plan or helped prepare for it.