Israeli Airlines Boost Flights After Flydubai Incident in Saudi Arabia

Following an emergency landing of a Flydubai flight in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Israeli airlines El Al and Arkia are increasing their flight frequencies from the East to Israel. The incident involved a Flydubai flight bound for Israel that experienced an emergency, prompting an offer from El Al and the Israeli military to evacuate passengers using a Hercules transport plane, which Saudi Arabia reportedly declined. Another Flydubai flight was arranged to carry the stranded Israeli passengers, though some initially refused to board, preferring an Israeli carrier.

El Al announced it would establish a dedicated WhatsApp center to assist Israelis abroad wishing to return on its flights, regardless of their original airline. The airline is also preparing a special flight from Bangkok to Israel in the coming days to help Israelis in Thailand return home via an Israeli company. Arkia stated it would enhance its direct flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, and Phuket to Israel in response to the demand for Israeli air travel.

The Israeli Ministry of Transportation, under Minister Miri Regev, opened a waiting and information area for the families of the Flydubai passengers at Ben Gurion Airport. The ministry is reportedly investigating whether Flydubai violated an agreement concerning the flight's pilot, an Omani national, taking off for Israel. A senior Ministry of Transportation official indicated the minister would demand a freeze on Flydubai flights until the investigation concludes.

The Flydubai aircraft initially took off from Dubai for Israel and broadcasted an emergency code 7700, indicating a general emergency, while flying near the Saudi-Jordanian border. It later broadcasted code 7500, signifying unlawful interference, before diverting to Saudi Arabia. Despite the stressful situation, passengers reported warm treatment from Saudi authorities, who provided food and assistance.