Flydubai incident: Royal Air Maroc clarifies role of the co-pilot

This update focuses on Flydubai incident Royal Air Maroc. Royal Air Maroc has issued a clarification after the serious incident on a Flydubai flight, stressing that the co-pilot under investigation was never hired by the Moroccan flag carrier, even though he attended a short training course in Morocco.

Flydubai incident Royal Air Maroc: what the airline says

Several media outlets reported that the co-pilot involved in Flydubai flight FZ1073 had previously worked for Royal Air Maroc. In a statement, the airline responded to set the record straight.

According to this clarification, the co-pilot attended a three-month theoretical course at Royal Air Maroc in 2025. This course was only a preliminary step before any possible recruitment as a co-pilot.

However, after the training ended, his application was rejected. Royal Air Maroc insists that he never joined its operational staff and never flew under the airline’s banner.

What Emirati investigators say about the incident

While Royal Air Maroc clarifies its position, Emirati authorities are continuing their investigation into the Flydubai FZ1073 incident. The in-flight event was serious enough to trigger a full criminal inquiry.

According to information released by counselor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the Federation’s Attorney General, the co-pilot allegedly attempted to carry out a terrorist act during the flight. He reportedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit with the emergency Crash Axe and tried to seize control of the aircraft.

The Attorney General added that investigators are still examining physical and digital evidence to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. Final conclusions will be made public once the legal procedures are completed.

Impact on Moroccan expats’ travel plans

For Moroccans living abroad, this case inevitably raises questions about flight safety and upcoming trips, whether to Morocco or via major hubs such as Dubai.

For now, there has been no announcement of schedule changes on Royal Air Maroc flights to and from Morocco. The Flydubai incident Royal Air Maroc clarification confirms there is no operational link between the suspect co-pilot and RAM flight crews.

Moroccan expats preparing to return home or planning regional trips can therefore, based on current information, maintain their travel plans. As with any air travel, a minimum level of vigilance remains advisable:

• Regularly check updates published by airlines on their official websites.
• Monitor any safety notices or schedule changes sent by email or SMS.
• Keep contact details for the airline’s customer service and the departure airport handy.

So far, Emirati authorities have not announced specific restrictions for passengers or measures that would directly affect Moroccan travellers living abroad.

Why Royal Air Maroc chose to speak out

By commenting publicly on the Flydubai incident Royal Air Maroc wants to avoid any confusion about its recruitment procedures and crew checks. By stressing that the co-pilot was not hired after his theoretical course, the airline distances itself from his alleged actions.

For Moroccans abroad, who often combine several airlines on the same journey, this clarification helps separate responsibilities clearly. It also shows that pilot candidates go through multiple selection stages and that attending a theoretical class does not guarantee a job.

The aviation community is now waiting for the official findings of the investigation in the United Arab Emirates, which should detail what happened on board and whether additional security measures will be adopted at regional level.

In the meantime, the security procedures long in place at airports and on board aircraft remain the first line of defence for passengers travelling to or from Morocco.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.