UAE Accuses Israel of Politicizing Flight Disruptions After Flydubai Incident

The United Arab Emirates has accused Israel of creating a provocation by linking flight disruptions to security concerns, asserting that Israel's actions regarding suspended flights are driven by non-security related reasons. This statement comes as Israeli airlines, Arkia and Israir, began operating flights to Dubai to repatriate citizens stranded in the UAE following an incident aboard a Flydubai flight. Full air traffic with Flydubai has not yet been restored, with the airline having suspended flights to Israel indefinitely, according to Ynet.

Negotiations between Israel and the UAE are ongoing to resume flights, focusing on enhanced security measures and baggage handling protocols. A key point of contention is the UAE's demand for a separate cargo plane to transport passenger baggage on return flights. Despite these unresolved disagreements, Israeli carriers have commenced repatriation flights.

A source close to UAE authorities criticized Israel's stance, suggesting that the resumption of normal air traffic is being deliberately delayed and the Flydubai incident is being exploited for political gain ahead of elections. The UAE also expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's use of the term "rescue flights," deeming it inappropriate given the absence of war or emergency in the UAE. The source further placed responsibility for the Flydubai flight cancellations on Israel, questioning why Israeli airlines can operate while UAE flights remain grounded.

Etihad Airways has continued to fly to Abu Dhabi under enhanced security protocols since Sunday, and similar measures could potentially be applied to Flydubai. Meanwhile, UAE authorities are investigating the co-pilot from Oman suspected of attempting to crash the Flydubai plane en route to Israel. The UAE acknowledges a serious incident and is considering stricter crew screenings. Disagreements also exist regarding the suspect's motives, with the UAE source stating that attempts to link the incident to Iran are premature and politically motivated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that the investigation is examining whether the co-pilot acted under external direction, suggesting the individual was radicalized and intended to destroy the aircraft. Netanyahu emphasized that the question of external instigation is still under investigation and warned of severe consequences if confirmed. The UAE has officially classified the incident as a terrorist act, and the investigation continues in the Emirates with Israeli participation. The captain and the suspected co-pilot were transferred to the UAE from Saudi Arabia.