UAE Denies Landing Permits, Cancels Israeli Rescue Flights

El Al rescue flights planned to operate from Dubai to Israel on Friday were canceled after the necessary landing permits from the United Arab Emirates were not received. The cancellations followed hours of uncertainty and negotiations with the UAE. El Al had planned a special series of rescue flights to bring Israelis back from Dubai, with two flights scheduled to depart Dubai for Tel Aviv on Friday morning. However, the required approvals for Israeli aircraft to land in the UAE were not granted, forcing El Al to cancel the operation.

Simultaneously, Arkia Airlines informed its passengers that its planned flight was expected to depart as scheduled, stating they were in continuous contact with security officials and the Civil Aviation Authority. The Ministry of Transportation had announced earlier that Israeli airlines' rescue flights from Dubai to Israel were expected to begin during the day, but departures might be delayed due to necessary preparations. The ministry stated it was continuing to work with all relevant parties, both in Israel and abroad, to facilitate the flights as soon as possible.

These developments occurred after landing permits for the rescue flights were canceled by the UAE on Thursday evening, despite initial understandings that would have allowed the flights to resume. Negotiations continued through the night and into Friday morning without the required approvals being secured. On Thursday afternoon, Emirates Airlines announced that passengers whose final destination was Israel would not be allowed to board its flights to Dubai from other global destinations. This decision prevented Israelis in various countries from reaching Israel via Dubai. Following this, the Ministry of Transportation reached an understanding with Emirates that the airline would resume its Dubai-Israel flights once direct flights by Israeli carriers were reestablished.

Earlier, a discussion involving Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, security officials, and Emirati representatives had decided that rescue flights to bring Israelis back from Dubai would commence on Friday morning. Following security approval, El Al announced its special rescue flight operation. However, conditions for the flights were tightened on Thursday evening, with passengers initially informed they could not bring luggage. Later that evening, after a framework for the rescue flights was established, the landing permits were revoked. Despite ongoing negotiations overnight, the necessary approvals were not obtained by Friday morning, leading to the cancellation of El Al's planned flights.