El Al Cancels Dubai Rescue Flights Amid Security Coordination Issues

El Al announced Friday morning that all rescue flights scheduled to bring Israelis back from Dubai today have been canceled. However, Arkia stated that its flight from Dubai this evening is still planned to proceed as scheduled, with an additional flight planned for Saturday. Israir also confirmed it received the necessary approvals from Dubai for a rescue flight, though tickets have not yet gone on sale. Senior officials in the Ministry of Transport and Israeli airlines believe that security coordination between the Shin Bet and the UAE will continue, allowing flights to operate later today. Flydubai, meanwhile, announced the cancellation of all its flights to Israel until October 15.

An agreement for rescue flights for stranded Israelis in the UAE was reached yesterday, but a last-minute crisis emerged in the evening when the Emirates canceled approval for these flights. Negotiations between the Emirates and the Shin Bet took place overnight. This morning, the Ministry of Transport reported that following coordination with all relevant parties, it was agreed that flights by Israeli airlines from Dubai would commence today. However, due to the need for final security preparations and coordination, a delay in departure times is expected.

"The Ministry of Transport continues to work with all relevant parties, in Israel and abroad, to enable the flights to operate as soon as possible," a statement read. "Citizens in Dubai should stay in contact with their airlines and follow their instructions and updates. We regret the inconvenience and will continue to provide updates as developments occur."

The first rescue flight was scheduled to depart Dubai at 11:00 AM, with a second at 1:00 PM. Arkia also announced ticket sales for its special flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv, noting that passengers would initially be allowed only carry-on luggage, with checked baggage to be transported later on a cargo-only flight. Additionally, an urgent request was made yesterday to increase Etihad's flights to Israel from Abu Dhabi. The Ministry of Finance agreed to compensate Israeli airlines for flying empty to the Emirates and returning with passengers who were supposed to fly on Flydubai.