Flydubai Extends Flight Cancellations to Israel Until October 15

Flydubai has announced an extension of its flight suspension between Dubai and Tel Aviv until at least October 15, with its website showing the earliest available flight on October 18. This prolonged halt leaves tens of thousands of Israelis stranded and reliant on Israeli airlines for repatriation. The decision follows an attempted attack and the diversion of flight FZ1073, which is currently under a complex security investigation by aviation and intelligence authorities in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The probe focuses on the motives of the Omani co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the Indian captain, Smith Machachar, en route to Tel Aviv. The crew and passengers' intervention prevented a larger aviation disaster, forcing an emergency landing in Tabuk.

In response to the situation, Israeli airlines are mobilizing to bring citizens home. Arkia has received the necessary security and political approvals to operate flights from Dubai and plans to run one flight on Friday and another on Saturday. At the request of Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Arkia is also working to add three more rescue flights over the weekend to alleviate congestion. El Al and Israir are also preparing for a significant number of flights after the holiday, though El Al's planned rescue flight for Friday was canceled due to landing permit issues. Israir has received approval from Dubai Airport for a rescue flight and is preparing for another post-holiday flight but awaits final confirmations before opening sales.

The suspension of Flydubai's operations is significant for Israeli aviation, as the route is a major transit corridor, having carried approximately 837,000 passengers between January and August. With Flydubai grounded, Israeli airlines are currently the sole direct option for Israelis wishing to return to the country.