Israeli carriers seek clearance to restart Dubai routes after flydubai attack
El Al, Israir and Arkia have asked Israeli security officials to allow them to resume scheduled flights to Dubai following a violent incident on a flydubai plane.
Following a Wednesday incident in which a flydubai co-pilot attacked the captain on a Dubai-Tel Aviv service, Israel's three largest airlines have petitioned security authorities to lift the suspension on Dubai flights. El Al intends to operate a minimum of two daily flights starting in November, contingent on official clearance. Israir aims for as many as ten weekly connections, and Arkia will resume service once logistical and operational conditions are met, emphasizing competition on the route.
A senior Israeli security official confirmed ongoing discussions with Emirati officials to secure final approval. Shares of El Al and Israir have risen since the incident, and the Transportation Ministry has also asked Etihad to increase Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv capacity. Rescue flights are being prepared to bring back passengers stranded by the flydubai suspension.
Why it matters
Resuming flights would restore a key tourism and business link between Israel and the UAE after a security scare.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Israeli prime minister's wife faces libel claim over Oct. 7 accusations
- Sep 19 Netanyahu pledged legislation to strip citizenship from those who “defame” soldiers.
- Sep 22 Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his view that Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, noting the ICC’s arrest warrant but acknowledging he cannot detain the Israeli leader.
- Sep 23 Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Joint List from the upcoming Knesset election, prompting the alliance to label the move racist and vow a Supreme Court appeal.
- Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
- Sep 24 Netanyahu announced he will use his UN appearance to directly attack New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- Sep 24 Netanyahu delivered the UN address and a large walkout occurred.
- Sep 24 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative UN speech, attacking Iran, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and allies Britain, France and Turkey, prompting walkouts and protests.
- Sep 25 A mass walkout by UN delegates and arrests of protesters occurred after the speech.
- Sep 26 The film’s worldwide theatrical rollout began late September and a free online streaming launch was announced for November.
- Sep 26 Mamdani accused Netanyahu of lying and cited the ICC arrest warrant during his UN response.
- Sep 27 Netanyahu publicly urged right‑wing parties to merge ahead of the election.
- Sep 28 Netanyahu held a private hour‑long meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi and asked him to publicly reject the allegation that the UAE had warned Israel of the Oct 7 attack.
- Sep 28 UAE's state news agency confirmed that Netanyahu arrived in Abu Dhabi for a high‑level meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
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