Israeli Airlines to Evacuate Citizens Stranded in Dubai Following Flight Suspension

Israeli airlines are set to begin evacuating Israeli citizens stranded in Dubai starting Friday, following Israel's decision to suspend all Flydubai flights for at least six days. This move comes after an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight that was scheduled to bring over 100 Israelis back from Dubai.

In addition to the evacuation flights, Israeli flights to Dubai are expected to resume soon. This development follows a conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed regarding the security incident. The UAE has agreed to install additional screening machines, paving the way for Israeli airlines to return to flying to Dubai.

The suspension of Flydubai flights was a response to the security incident. Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously ordered enhanced security measures for both Israeli and non-Israeli airlines. Israeli airlines, including El Al, Israir, and Arkia, had been prohibited from landing in the UAE due to security risks, while Emirati airlines like Etihad and Flydubai continued to operate flights to Israel.

Israeli airlines had expressed anger over this disparity, warning of significant financial losses. The ban on Israeli flights was initially set to extend through November, but the recent events may lead to an earlier resumption of services to the UAE.