Two Maldivians have reportedly been detained in the United Arab Emirates as part of an investigation into an alleged attempted hijacking and terrorist attack aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Israel, according to local media outlet Mihaaru.

The two Maldivians are reportedly co-pilots and lived in the same building as Hammam Al-Hamani, an Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the flight’s captain with a “crash hammer” inside the cockpit.

However, it remains unclear whether the two Maldivians are suspected of having any direct involvement in the incident or were detained as part of the broader investigation. UAE authorities have not publicly disclosed any allegations or charges against them.

The incident reportedly occurred last Wednesday aboard a flight carrying 182 passengers, many of whom were Israeli nationals.

According to reports, Al-Hamani allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit, injuring him. Despite his injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot.

The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

UAE authorities have reportedly classified the incident as an attempted terrorist attack. Al-Hamani, 29, is an Omani national who had previously been barred by Omani authorities from working as a pilot due to suspected extremist views. His subsequent recruitment by flydubai has raised questions over how he was cleared to work as a pilot.

The UAE Attorney General has reportedly said that a comprehensive investigation is underway in coordination with regional security agencies to determine the motive behind the incident and establish whether the suspect had links to any organised groups.

The circumstances surrounding the detention of the two Maldivian co-pilots remain unclear, and authorities have yet to publicly announce any charges or allegations against them.