Israeli Airline CEO Slams Dubai Flight Ban, Thousands of Tickets at Risk

Thousands of Israelis who have purchased tickets to Dubai for November and beyond face potential cancellations due to an ongoing security directive that prevents Israeli airlines from operating flights to the emirate. The current restriction is set to expire on October 31st, but its extension is uncertain, creating significant anxiety for travelers.

While Israeli airlines are barred from flying to Dubai, foreign carriers, including Flydubai and Etihad Airways, continue to operate flights between Israel and the UAE. Reports suggest the security limitation stems from disagreements between Israeli and Dubai security authorities regarding operational procedures and required airport clearances.

Oz Berlowitz, CEO of Arkia Airlines, has strongly criticized the situation, highlighting that nearly all passengers on Flydubai flights to Dubai are Israeli. "We haven't yet found a single Emirati passenger on the flights we checked," Berlowitz stated, emphasizing that Arkia is not seeking to compromise on security but rather a solution that allows Israeli companies to resume flights.

Berlowitz argues that the current arrangement unfairly benefits Flydubai by eliminating competition, allowing the Emirati airline to profit from Israeli passengers while Israeli companies are prohibited from serving the same market. Arkia insists it wants to fly Israelis to Dubai but is being prevented from doing so.