Two Maldivian Flydubai pilots have reportedly been arrested in the UAE as investigators examine the foiled attack on an Israel-bound flight. Adhadhu reported that their families were informed of the arrests by the Maldivian embassy. Government spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef and a foreign-ministry spokesman disputed the report; the pilots’ alleged involvement has not been independently confirmed.

UAE prosecutors said on October 9 that the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Flight FZ1073’s captain intended to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal, inspired by 9/11. The September 30 flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The injured captain resisted the axe attack. Other pilots aboard, assisted by cabin crew and passengers, subdued the suspect and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Prosecutors say the suspect claimed he acted alone, but possible accomplices and other connections remain under investigation.