Israel-UAE Security Accord Reached, Flights to Resume for Stranded Israelis

Following overnight security disputes between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Israeli airlines have received approval to land in Dubai, enabling a mission to repatriate Israelis stranded in the city. Arkia is operating its first flight today, while El Al will resume services after the holiday, and Israir has yet to open sales for its flights. Arkia plans one flight today and another tomorrow, with three more in the final stages of arrangement. Israir is preparing for one flight after the holiday, with CEO Uri Sircus explaining the company's caution in selling tickets until certainty was established, citing concerns over Dubai's landing slot allocation. Israir has received airport approvals and will open sales once all involved parties confirm. Most security protocols, including a ban on carrying luggage onto the plane, have been agreed upon. Israel claims the UAE initially backed away from some security agreements proposed by the Shin Bet. The current situation stems from an incident on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv where the captain was stabbed, leading to the suspension of UAE airline flights to Israel pending an investigation and leaving many Israelis in Dubai unable to return directly. Four Israelis who helped subdue the attacker and rescue the pilot have been recommended for bravery awards. The repatriation flights are operating under special conditions: planes fly empty to Dubai, and passengers must leave their checked luggage behind, which will be sent on a separate cargo flight and collected by passengers later. While promoted by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority, the flights are not state-funded, with passengers purchasing tickets. Initial El Al tickets were priced at $249 and Israir's at $299 one-way. Passengers whose Flydubai flights were canceled should contact the airline for refunds, as aviation law mandates refunds or alternative flights for cancellations, even due to security reasons. The operational costs for these flights are significant, with empty outbound legs and only one-way ticket revenue covering fuel, crew, and landing fees. The Ministry of Transport and Finance are discussing compensation, with the Treasury potentially allocating around 5 million shekels, though final decisions are pending. Israeli airlines have historically borne the burden of returning passengers during crises when foreign airlines ceased flights, and this operation places them in that role again. Dubai has become a popular destination for Israelis since the 2020 Abraham Accords, with the route normally served by Flydubai and Emirates alongside Israeli carriers. The suspension of UAE flights leaves the route to Israeli airlines for now. El Al plans rescue flights for Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week.