UAE Luggage Demand Threatens Rescue Flights

Rescue flights to bring Israelis home are facing new delays due to a last-minute demand from the United Arab Emirates. Initially expected to resume operations on Monday evening, the flights are now in jeopardy because the UAE is requesting that cargo planes accompany passenger aircraft to transport luggage. This comes after all passengers were previously set to travel without checked bags, a measure implemented following a Shin Bet security requirement for specific screening stations.

Miri Regev, the Minister of Transportation, is reportedly addressing the issue, but the flights' status remains highly uncertain. Arkia had announced it received all necessary approvals for a 7:00 PM flight on Monday and another for Tuesday, with plans for three additional flights over the weekend at the Minister's request. Israir also confirmed receiving approvals but had not yet released flight schedules. El Al, however, canceled its Monday flights, stating it was seeking approvals for flights on Saturday night and would update customers accordingly.

Despite earlier agreements, the UAE has imposed new obstacles, causing delays. The Ministry of Transportation issued a statement indicating that while flights would commence on Monday, a delay in departure times from Dubai was anticipated due to these difficulties. The head of the Mossad reportedly intervened in the discussions to help resolve the situation.

The current crisis stems from a broader disruption in air travel to the region following an incident on Wednesday, after which Flydubai canceled flights until further investigation. This, coupled with Israeli airlines not flying to the area for over six months due to security concerns, has left many travelers stranded in the Gulf.