UAE Agrees to Flights for Israeli Evacuations After Initial Reversal

The United Arab Emirates has agreed to allow Israeli airlines to land, paving the way for evacuation flights to commence on the same day. This decision follows earlier reports that the UAE had rescinded its approval, leading El Al to cancel its planned evacuation flights to Dubai. The flights are intended to bring back Israelis who were stranded in the UAE due to events that occurred during a Flydubai flight earlier in the week.

Israir Airlines stated it had received the necessary approvals from Dubai Airport for an evacuation flight, though it has not yet been put up for sale. The airline is preparing to operate another flight from Dubai on Saturday evening, after the holiday concludes. Arkia Airlines also confirmed it secured the required approvals and is working to operate three additional flights over the weekend, in addition to its scheduled services.

Earlier, Arkia CEO Oz Berlovich had indicated that the UAE had not approved the flights "until further notice," prompting the airline to approach relevant security authorities. The latest development suggests a resolution has been reached, allowing the evacuation operations to proceed.