Israel-UAE Flights Resume After Security Dispute; Flydubai Extends Suspension

Following late-night disputes over security issues between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Israeli airlines have received approval to land in Dubai. However, flight schedules vary among the carriers. Arkia is expected to operate one flight today and another tomorrow, with three more in the final stages of approval. Israir has not yet published its schedule but is preparing for one flight on Saturday evening. El Al will not operate any rescue flights today, resuming operations only on Saturday evening. The disputes arose after initial agreements on security procedures and baggage handling, which stipulated passengers could not bring luggage on board. Israel claims the UAE reneged on some security agreements overnight, particularly regarding measures demanded by the Shin Bet. Flights from Israel to Dubai will depart empty, while passengers flying back to Israel will have to leave their luggage in Dubai. The luggage will be returned on a separate cargo flight, and passengers will be notified to collect it themselves. Despite being coordinated by the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority, these are not routine rescue flights as passengers must purchase tickets. Flydubai has announced a suspension of flights to Israel until October 15, extending an earlier six-day halt. Israir CEO Uri Sircus stated that his company did not initially publish its rescue flight due to suspicions about the slot allocation process, preferring to wait for certainty before opening sales. Israir has received necessary approvals from Dubai Airport for a rescue flight but will only open it for sale upon receiving all permits. The Israeli airlines are expected to incur losses due to the empty outbound flights, but the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Finance are reportedly working on a compensation package, with the Finance Ministry expected to allocate approximately NIS 5 million, though final decisions are pending.