UAE Air Travel Disrupted After Security Incident; Flydubai Halts Flights

Air travel between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is experiencing significant disruptions following a recent security incident. Flydubai has confirmed the indefinite suspension of its flights to Israel. Etihad Airways continues to operate flights between the UAE and Israel, with its pilots not involved in any security concerns.

Israeli airlines have resumed flights to Dubai after an eight-month hiatus, previously halted due to security concerns regarding the handling of baggage. The Israeli Security Service (Shin Bet) still distrusts baggage scanners in the UAE and prohibits the loading of "improperly checked luggage" onto Israeli passenger planes. Consequently, flights operated by Israeli carriers departing from the UAE currently only allow hand luggage. Passengers with checked bags must leave them at the airport to be transported separately on cargo flights.

El Al has not yet dispatched any aircraft to Dubai due to these logistical challenges. However, the airline has partnered with Etihad, which flies to Abu Dhabi, by chartering seats on its flights and marketing them as its own. Six such "co-branded" flights are scheduled within the next 24 hours, designated as both Etihad (EY) and El Al (LY). Etihad will also operate two additional flights to Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Arkia has secured permission for evacuation flights and guaranteed UAE authorities that a special cargo flight will collect its passengers' checked luggage within the next 24 hours. Arkia's first flight landed in Dubai around 7 PM. Additional evacuation flights from Arkia and Israir are expected on Saturday. El Al plans to resume its flights on Saturday evening, after the Sabbath. Travelers wishing to depart the UAE on Saturday are advised to try securing a ticket on an Israeli evacuation flight or fly with Etihad from Abu Dhabi, if seats are available.