Israeli Airlines Prepare to Aid Citizens Abroad After Dubai Flight Incident
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli airlines Arkia and El Al are increasing flights for citizens abroad.
- Flydubai suspended flights to Israel pending investigation of a cockpit incident.
- A special El Al flight is scheduled from Bangkok to Israel.
- Arkia is increasing flights from the Far East and preparing to resume Dubai service.
- Both airlines are establishing dedicated WhatsApp hotlines for passenger assistance.
Following an unusual incident on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israeli airlines are stepping up to assist citizens abroad, particularly those in Dubai and the Far East. Flydubai has suspended all its flights to and from Israel pending an investigation into an altercation in the cockpit that led the plane to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that one pilot allegedly stabbed another, attempting to cause a crash, though the circumstances remain under investigation.
In response to the disruption and increased demand for Israeli carriers, Arkia is increasing its flights from the Far East to Israel. The airline currently operates direct flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, and Phuket and plans to bolster these routes. Arkia has also opened a dedicated WhatsApp line for Israelis seeking to return home on their flights, even if their original outbound flight was with another airline. The company is also preparing to resume direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai, aiming for two daily flights pending security and government approvals.
El Al is also expanding its operations from the Far East due to numerous requests from Israelis wishing to return. The airline will operate a special flight from Tel Aviv to Bangkok on October 2nd and a return flight from Bangkok on October 4th. This special service is available to all Israelis seeking to return via an Israeli airline, regardless of their original carrier. El Al has also established a global WhatsApp hotline for booking flights from any of its destinations worldwide, assisting passengers who arrived at their destination with a different airline.
While Arkia and El Al are preparing to resume flights to Dubai by late November, these plans are contingent on security and authority approvals. For Israelis currently in the Far East or Dubai, the situation means more Israeli flight options are becoming available, though some are still in the planning stages and not yet bookable. The incident involved Flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, including 166 Israelis.
Read the original at WallaMentioned
