The United Arab Emirates police have confirmed that the co‑pilot of flydubai completed a segment of his flight training in New Zealand while holding a six‑month student visa, residing in the country from November 2018 until May 2019 before returning to the Gulf region.
According to immigration records, the officer entered New Zealand on a short‑term student permit and enrolled at a local flight school, where he finished part of the required training for commercial pilots. The authorities are now cross‑checking his visa history and the credentials issued by the New Zealand institution to determine whether the training met international standards and was obtained lawfully.
The investigation is part of a wider probe into the pilot’s background following concerns raised by flydubai’s security department. Police are reviewing flight‑log data, employment documents and any possible links to irregularities that could affect airline safety. While the probe remains confidential, officials have said that no immediate operational impact on flydubai’s schedule has been identified.
In Pakistan, the case underscores the importance of rigorous vetting for airline crew members who undergo training abroad. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has repeatedly warned carriers to verify foreign training certificates and immigration compliance to prevent potential security loopholes. Pakistani pilots often seek advanced instruction in overseas academies, and this incident may prompt tighter scrutiny of such programmes, especially those involving short‑term visas.
Airlines across the region are expected to reassess their credential‑verification processes in light of the findings. If the investigation reveals procedural gaps, it could lead to stricter regulatory oversight for both inbound and outbound aviation personnel, affecting recruitment and training pathways for Pakistani pilots aspiring to work with Gulf carriers.
The police have not disclosed the co‑pilot’s identity, and flydubai has declined further comment pending the outcome of the inquiry. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.