Israel Plans Evacuation Flights for Hundreds Stranded in Dubai

Israel's Civil Aviation Authority has asked El Al, Israir, and Arkia to prepare for the return of thousands of Israelis stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The situation arose after Flydubai suspended flights to Israel until an investigation into an attempted plane hijacking on Wednesday, September 30, is completed. Passengers are currently unable to return home.

El Al is awaiting approval from the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) for its first evacuation flight to Ben Gurion Airport, expected on Friday, October 2. Arkia plans to operate flights over the weekend, while Israir has not yet set a date. Passengers on the suspended Flydubai flights will need to purchase new tickets for the evacuation flights, with El Al charging $249 for a basic fare including checked luggage. Bookings will be available online and through travel agents once approvals are granted.

While the compensation from Flydubai is not yet determined, passengers are legally entitled to a refund for their original tickets. They are also eligible for assistance with accommodation and meals if their stay in Dubai extends beyond their original departure time. El Al has not specified the number of evacuation flights or the total passenger capacity, noting that the schedule will be flexible based on approvals and operational conditions.

El Al's aircraft will initially fly empty from Tel Aviv to Dubai to pick up stranded Israelis. This situation follows a previous ban on Israeli airlines flying to Dubai after Operation "Lion's Roar," which was lifted following agreements between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. These agreements coincided with the decision to suspend Flydubai's operations in Israel, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the hijacking attempt before regular flights resume.

The primary obstacle to resuming flights is Shin Bet approval. While the UAE is reportedly ready to implement stringent security measures, Shin Bet is hesitant to grant permission until these measures are fully in place. The Ministry of Transportation will oversee the operation once approval is given. The funding for these evacuation flights is still under discussion, as passengers have already purchased tickets with Flydubai. However, given Flydubai's financial standing and the UAE's past practice of covering costs for stranded Israelis during previous conflicts, it is possible they will fund these flights as well.