Israeli Airlines to Charge for Repatriation Flights from Dubai

Following the cancellation of Flydubai flights to Israel, Israeli airlines are set to operate repatriation flights from Dubai starting Friday, provided security approvals are granted. Passengers will be required to pay for these flights. El Al announced it will operate a special rescue flight array to bring Israelis back from Dubai, with the first flight to Tel Aviv scheduled for Friday. Tickets will be sold at a uniform price of $249 for a Lite fare, including a carry-on. Israir will operate two repatriation flights on Friday, subject to state approval, at a cost of $299 per ticket. Israir is preparing to resume regular service on the Dubai-Tel Aviv route with 8-10 weekly flights pending necessary approvals. Arkia also announced a schedule of repatriation flights from Dubai, with prices starting at $279. Arkia plans one flight on Friday, five on Saturday, two on Sunday, seven on Monday, and three on Tuesday. The aircraft from Israel will fly empty to the Emirates and will be funded by the state. The Ministry of Transport stated that Israeli airlines will operate these flights after receiving final security approvals. The ministry also made an urgent request to increase Etihad's flights to Israel from Abu Dhabi. The state will reimburse Israeli airlines for the empty flights to the Emirates and the return flights carrying Israelis who were supposed to travel on Flydubai. The Ministry of Transport urged airlines to maintain fair pricing and not exploit the situation, while advising Israelis in the UAE and the East to monitor the flight schedules. Passengers who booked with Flydubai are directed to the airline to claim their rights, including accommodation and refunds. All passengers are limited to hand luggage (trolley) on these flights, with checked baggage to be transported separately on cargo flights and collected by passengers later.