Israeli Airlines Halt UAE Flights Over Security Scanner Dispute

Israeli airlines, including El Al, Arkia, and Israir, have been forced to suspend flights to the United Arab Emirates due to a security dispute, with the halt expected to last until October 31. Aviation officials informed i24NEWS that the UAE is currently not permitting Israeli carriers to land over security concerns.

The core of the disagreement lies in a demand by Israel's Shin Bet internal security service for a 3D security scanner to be installed at the check-in counters used by Israeli airlines in UAE airports. However, Emirati authorities have refused to allow the installation of this equipment.

As a result, El Al, Arkia, and Israir are unable to serve the UAE route for the time being. Foreign airlines such as Flydubai and Etihad continue to operate their flights, maintaining air links between the two countries.

This situation arises amid increasing regional tensions. Unusual U.S. military activity has been observed in the airspace of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, amid fears of further escalation with the Houthis in Yemen. Arab media reports suggest U.S. refueling aircraft have been detected over the two nations, though the purpose remains unclear.

Concurrently, the Houthis are reportedly attempting to strengthen their positions in southern Yemen, particularly near the Kahboub mountains. Military sources cited by Reuters indicate that capturing this area could allow the Houthis to solidify their presence near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical global shipping lane.