UAE Imposes New Baggage Rules, Threatening Israeli Evacuation Flights

The United Arab Emirates has unexpectedly imposed new regulations on departing Israeli flights, potentially jeopardizing evacuation missions. Just hours after receiving clearance for flights, Israeli airlines Arkia and Israir faced a sudden demand from UAE authorities: each passenger flight to Ben Gurion Airport must be accompanied by a dedicated cargo plane solely for luggage.

This cargo aircraft must arrive before the passenger plane and depart after it. Failure to comply could result in passengers being denied boarding. The requirement presents a significant logistical challenge for Israeli carriers, who must quickly secure and arrange the operation of these cargo planes on short notice.

An informed source described the demand as unusual and difficult to meet, with Arkia and Israir facing a low probability of successfully arranging the necessary cargo flights in time. The new rules also conflict with Israel's original security plan, which allowed passengers only small carry-on bags, with checked luggage to be delivered separately after inspection.

The sudden imposition of these conditions follows shortly after initial reports that evacuation flight permits had been secured. Arkia had announced receiving necessary approvals, and Israir had obtained airport permission. Earlier, El Al had canceled its flights from Dubai due to difficulties with final landing permit arrangements.