Flydubai Rescue Flight Departs Saudi Arabia for Israel

A Flydubai rescue flight carrying Israeli citizens who were stranded in Saudi Arabia has departed and is en route to Ben Gurion Airport, with an estimated landing time of approximately 45 minutes from departure. The flight's departure followed hours of uncertainty after an unusual incident occurred on a previous flight to Israel. Some passengers initially hesitated to board the rescue flight, while Israeli authorities worked with Saudi officials to arrange for an alternative flight, potentially from an Israeli airline.

The original flight carried 174 passengers, 166 of whom were Israelis. After preparations were completed and passengers boarded the Flydubai aircraft, it took off from Saudi Arabia. Security and diplomatic officials monitored the situation closely, simultaneously exploring the possibility of chartering a plane to bring the Israelis home.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the Mossad had pre-screened the Flydubai rescue flight. Concurrently, diplomatic efforts were underway to secure approval from Saudi authorities for an Israeli airline's plane, without Israeli markings, to land. Security officials assess that the incident was likely not directed by Iran, with the perpetrator believed to have acted alone. The Mossad is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the event.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted Transportation Minister Miri Regev's recommendation to temporarily halt Flydubai flights to and from Israel until the investigation is concluded. Netanyahu praised the "heroes on the flight from Dubai" for their "resourcefulness and courage" and instructed the security establishment to prepare for potential further threats.

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, passengers will be received in a dedicated complex where their families will also be present, marking the end of one of the most unusual incidents in recent civil aviation history en route to Israel.