El Al Israel Airlines canceled its scheduled rescue flights from Dubai on Friday after the United Arab Emirates authorities revoked landing permissions for El Al Israel Airlines, according to the article. The abrupt halt leaves an estimated 10,000 Israeli citizens stranded in Dubai and other regional transit points following a violent cockpit incident aboard a Flydubai aircraft earlier in the week.
However, the latest security directives and revoked landing rights stalled those plans on Friday morning.
Flydubai Cockpit Incident Triggers Route Suspensions
Following the incident, Flydubai suspended all services to Tel Aviv indefinitely to allow authorities to investigate, according to the article.
Ministry coordinates flight resumption amid delayed repatriation services
Israel’s Transportation Ministry announced that coordination was underway with relevant parties to resume flights operated by Israeli airlines from Dubai starting Friday, October 2, though security preparations would cause initial delays. The ministry advised citizens currently in Dubai to stay in contact with their respective airlines and follow direct instructions.
El Al had planned two repatriation flights departing Dubai on Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at a flat rate of $249, but those services were postponed after Emirati landing permissions were withdrawn. El Al stated that it would implement the planned rescue flights as soon as official permission resumes. Under El Al security rules for the repatriation operation, passengers are prohibited from checking luggage into the aircraft hold or bringing carry-on trolley bags into the cabin.
Israir and Arkia Operations Amid Changing Approvals
While El Al’s flights were grounded on Friday, Israir announced later in the day that it had secured final approvals from Emirati authorities to operate flights from Israel to Dubai during the day. Arkia and Israir have both been chartered to assist in bringing stranded passengers home as part of the broader repatriation effort.
Prior to the route suspension, Israeli carriers El Al, Israir, and Arkia had asked security authorities for permission to resume regular commercial schedules to Dubai. El Al planned at least two daily flights starting in November, while Israir aimed for up to 10 weekly flights, depending on state approvals and operational readiness.
Did you know about regional transit reliance?
Over 837,000 passengers—representing 7.5% of total traffic through Ben Gurion Airport—traveled through Dubai during the first eight months of the year, with half of those travelers flying on Flydubai, according to Reuters data.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dubai Flight Resumption
Why were the El Al rescue flights canceled on Friday?
El Al canceled its scheduled Friday repatriation flights after the authorities in the United Arab Emirates revoked landing permissions for El Al Israel Airlines.
How many Israelis are currently stranded in Dubai?
Estimates indicate that more than 10,000 Israelis are stranded in Dubai and other regional destinations from which they planned to return via the United Arab Emirates.
Are alternative flights out of the United Arab Emirates still operating?
The Transportation Ministry stated that it sent an urgent request to Etihad Airways to increase flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, and some carriers like Etihad continue to operate services to Israel.
What caused Flydubai to suspend its Tel Aviv route?
Flydubai suspended its flights following a September 30 incident where a co-pilot allegedly stabbed a colleague in the cockpit, prompting an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
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