Full Breakdown
UAE Suspends Repatriation Flights for Israelis in Dubai
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The United Arab Emirates withdrew the authorization that allowed Israeli airlines to land in its territory, prompting the immediate cancellation of all scheduled repatriation flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Arkia, Israir and El Al each announced the suspension of their respective services after failing to secure the required approvals from Emirati authorities. Passengers who had booked the now-canceled flights were told they would receive full refunds, and those who could reach a third country with flights to Israel would be offered a 10 % discount on onward tickets.
Background & Context
The suspension follows the incident on a flydubai flight (FZ1073) in which the co-pilot attempted to hijack the aircraft, forcing an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia. The plane carried 174 passengers and eight crew members; all were medically cleared and continued to Tel Aviv except the captain and co-pilot, who were hospitalized in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The event sparked heightened security concerns and led flydubai to halt all its UAE-Israel services.
Official Statements & Responses
Israel’s Transportation Ministry said it continued to work with all relevant parties to return stranded Israelis quickly and safely, while monitoring passenger needs. Arkia issued a statement that it had possessed the necessary permissions until the evening before the cancellation and was actively seeking to restore them, but had been unsuccessful. Israir similarly indicated it was “doing everything possible” to explore alternatives after its flight was canceled. The UAE, through unnamed sources, objected to the Israeli use of the term “rescue flight,” arguing that the situation did not constitute a dangerous environment requiring such terminology.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 7,500 Israeli travelers have already returned to Israel via the repatriation program, according to the Israeli Ministry of Transport.
- Thousands remain stranded in Dubai following the flight suspension.
- The flydubai incident involved 174 passengers and eight crew members, with two crew members hospitalized.
What’s Next
Arkia, Israir and El Al continue to seek renewed landing permission from Emirati authorities. The Transportation Ministry indicated that it will adjust the transportation response as developments occur, but no specific timeline for the resumption of flights has been announced.