Israeli Airlines to Resume UAE Flights After Security Review

Israeli commercial carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir are poised to resume flights to the United Arab Emirates as early as Friday, pending final approval from the Israeli defense establishment. This decision follows a six-day suspension of flights by flydubai after a security incident on flight FZ1073.

Israeli security agencies are investigating the incident, focusing on crew protocols and whether the presence of a pilot from a country without formal diplomatic ties with Israel violated security agreements. The flydubai suspension caused significant disruption for thousands of passengers.

To address the gap, Israeli airlines have prepared operational schedules. If approved by the Shin Bet and aviation security services, direct flights by Israeli carriers will become available. The Ministry of Defense will dictate the exact flight schedules and frequency. Passengers will need to purchase tickets for these new flights without government subsidies.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways continues its regular flights to Israel, offering an alternative air link. However, demand has shifted towards Israeli airlines following the disruption. Passengers with canceled flydubai tickets are entitled to a full refund via their original payment method.

Aviation authorities stressed that the final go-ahead for flights depends on the ongoing investigation's outcome.