Dubai Halts Rescue Flights Over Unprecedented Luggage Demand

Rescue flights planned by Israeli airlines Arkia and Israir from the United Arab Emirates are at risk of cancellation due to a new, unexpected demand from Emirati authorities. The UAE has stipulated that for every passenger flight departing for Israel, a separate, empty cargo plane must arrive to transport luggage.

According to the requirement conveyed to Israeli officials, this cargo plane must land before the passenger flight and depart after it. This condition presents a significant logistical challenge, as Israeli airlines are unlikely to secure and operate dedicated cargo aircraft on such short notice. A source familiar with the matter described the situation as exceptionally unusual and complex.

The new demand directly conflicts with the security protocols established in Israel for the rescue operation. Israeli security guidelines had previously prohibited checked baggage or carry-on luggage, allowing only small personal bags, to facilitate security checks and arrange for later baggage transport. The current crisis emerges just hours after Arkia announced it had received the necessary approvals for its flights and Israir confirmed its airport clearance.

This situation follows the earlier cancellation of all El Al flights after landing permits in Dubai faced difficulties and were not fully secured. The ongoing dispute over luggage transport now casts a heavy shadow over the entire rescue mission.