Arkia Rescues Israelis from Dubai After Flight Disruptions

Arkia Airlines launched its first rescue flight from Dubai on Friday evening, carrying 210 Israelis back home following disruptions to flights after an incident involving Flydubai two days prior. The flight's departure followed two days of uncertainty and extensive efforts by Israeli security agencies to coordinate with their UAE counterparts for the return of stranded citizens.

A flight attendant on the Arkia flight, Romy, described the briefing before departure and expressed the crew's relief, stating, "We are happy to be the first to bring Israelis back to the country, to give them a bit of certainty. Ultimately, it's a lack of security, it's scary to be in this place." She noted that the severe security restrictions were likely related to Israel's security and less to Arkia, as they adhere to the safety regulations of both countries.

Natalie, who was traveling with her children, shared her concerns about being stranded, recounting how their flight was canceled and they realized they might not return as planned, with her children gaining "one more night in the hotel." Her son, Ariel, described the experience as "crazy" and admitted to being a little scared initially.

Israeli airlines had attempted to secure approval for morning flights, but a lack of available slots at Dubai Airport and ongoing security coordination between the Shin Bet and UAE authorities delayed approvals. Slots were only granted in the morning, forcing El Al to cancel its flights. While Arkia departed on Friday evening, El Al and Israir were expected to fly on Saturday. Passengers were not permitted to bring luggage due to the absence of a secure baggage screening facility at the airport, necessitating a separate cargo flight for their belongings scheduled for Saturday.

The Arkia rescue flight proceeded after Flydubai CEO announced the company had "stopped all flights to Tel Aviv until further notice," citing the need for ongoing investigations by relevant authorities with Flydubai's full support. In response to Flydubai's cancellations, Etihad Airways announced it would add two flights from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

El Al's cancellation followed an earlier agreement for rescue flights, which was reportedly jeopardized by a last-minute crisis when UAE authorities revoked approval. Nighttime negotiations between the UAE and the Shin Bet eventually led to an agreement, announced by the Ministry of Transport on Saturday morning, that Israeli airline flights from Dubai would proceed. However, security preparations and coordination were expected to cause delays.