UAE Denies Approval for Israeli Rescue Flights Amidst Security Concerns

Arkia CEO Oz Berlovich expressed concern Thursday evening that the UAE has not yet approved rescue flights for Israelis stranded in Dubai, scheduled to depart Friday. Berlovich stated that Arkia has contacted relevant security officials and expressed optimism that the issue will be resolved in time. Officials from the UAE and Israel are reportedly still working on finalizing safety procedures and approvals for these flights.

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli security authorities had authorized Israeli airlines to operate flights to bring Israeli passengers back from Dubai starting Friday. However, initial operations will be limited, with passengers unable to check in luggage due to a lack of security infrastructure. This situation follows the decision by UAE airline Flydubai to suspend its flights to and from Israel while an investigation into an attempted hijacking of one of its planes is ongoing.

Following the attempted attack on the Flydubai flight, Israel has requested to send observers to monitor investigations being conducted concurrently in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The investigation in Saudi Arabia is due to the location where the hijacking attempt occurred, while the UAE's involvement stems from the flight's registration under its flag. An Israeli official familiar with the matter indicated that Israel would not directly participate in the investigation but would receive its findings.

The Indian pilot, Samit Machhar, who fought the hijacker, has been transferred to a hospital in the UAE from Saudi Arabia and is reported to be in stable condition. The Omani pilot who attempted to crash the plane is being questioned in Saudi Arabia after medical evaluation. Initial findings suggest the Omani pilot may have undergone religious radicalization and become more observant of Islamic practices. While his interrogation continues, Israeli authorities are awaiting cooperation from the UAE. Security sources have not yet found evidence linking him to Iran, though this possibility has not been entirely ruled out. Earlier, security officials indicated the hijacker was likely a lone actor, not part of a state-sponsored or terrorist organization, and not mentally unstable. Israel has increased security worldwide due to fears of copycat attacks, with officials suggesting the hijacker targeted the Flydubai flight to undermine the Abraham Accords. The President is set to award a medal of courage to the passengers who subdued the hijacker.