Israel-Dubai Flights Delayed Due to Security and Landing Permit Issues

Scheduled repatriation flights from Dubai to Israel, set to begin Friday, October 2, have been delayed due to the need for further security preparations and coordination. El Al announced the cancellation of its rescue flight for the day after its landing permit in the emirate was unexpectedly revoked. The Israeli Ministry of Transportation stated it is working with all relevant parties to enable the flights as soon as possible.

The delay follows an agreement for Israeli airlines to operate special rescue flights from Dubai after Flydubai suspended its flights to Israel. The Ministry of Transportation explained that while the flights were agreed to start on Friday, "due to the need to complete the preparations and required coordination by security elements for the operation of the flights, a delay is expected in the departure time of the repatriation flights from Dubai."

El Al confirmed the cancellation of its planned rescue flight for Friday, October 2, citing the revocation of landing permits for Israeli airlines in Dubai. The airline stated that its aircraft and crews are ready for immediate departure and will operate the flights as soon as official approval is received to bring Israelis home.

The Ministry of Transportation urged Israeli citizens currently in Dubai awaiting return to stay in close contact with their airlines for updates. The resumption of air travel is contingent on finalizing strict security protocols between Israel and the UAE and renewing official landing permits from Dubai authorities. The need for these special flights arose after Flydubai suspended all flights to Israel following an attempted attack that led to the crashing of flight FZ1073, leaving thousands of Israelis without regular transportation.