Emirates Relaxes Ban on Flights to Israel After Government Talks

Emirates, the parent company of Flydubai, has eased its initial decision to ban passengers with final destinations in Tel Aviv from boarding flights to Dubai. The airline had initially stated that Israeli citizens traveling to Tel Aviv would not be permitted to board any Emirates flights to Dubai from various global locations, effectively halting connections for those transiting through Dubai. This applied even to Israelis in places like Thailand who were booked on an Emirates flight to Dubai and then a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv.

Following significant backlash and discussions with the Israeli Ministry of Transport, Emirates agreed to resume its flights on the Dubai-Israel route. This resumption is contingent upon the official approval and operation of rescue flights from Israel. Once Israeli airlines recommence direct flights between Israel and Dubai, Emirates will also restart its own services on the route.

Initially, the suspension of operations was effective immediately and intended to last until further notice. The decision specifically impacted code-share flights booked through Emirates but operated by Flydubai. Passengers who had already begun their journeys or were in transit in Dubai were assured assistance to complete their travel to Israel.

While rescue flights were slated to begin the following day, official approval was still pending at the time of the report, meaning the ban remained temporarily in effect. However, the agreement with the Ministry of Transport provides a clear path for the lifting of the restriction once these rescue flights are officially sanctioned.