Israel-Dubai Flights Delayed Due to Security Coordination Issues

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

The initial agreement was for Israeli airlines to commence special rescue flights from Dubai following the suspension of Flydubai flights. However, the Ministry of Transport announced the delay, citing necessary security arrangements. El Al confirmed the cancellation of its planned rescue flight, explaining that Dubai authorities had rescinded landing approval for Israeli carriers.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Transport, while an agreement was reached for flights 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." No precise departure date has been given, and the ministry emphasized ongoing intensive contacts with political and security officials in Israel and abroad to find a swift solution.

El Al issued an urgent update for passengers, confirming the cancellation of its Friday flight due to the revoked landing permits. The airline stated that its aircraft and crews are ready to depart immediately and will operate the special flights to Dubai and bring Israelis home as soon as official approval is received.

The Ministry of Transport urged Israeli citizens currently in Dubai awaiting return to stay in close contact with their airlines for updates and to follow their instructions. 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 repatriation flights arose after the suspension of all Flydubai flights to Israel following an attempted attack that led to the crash of flight FZ1073, leaving thousands of Israelis without regular transport. The current logistical and security challenges at Dubai Airport are being discussed at the highest political and security levels between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi.