Israeli Airlines Resume Flights to Dubai After 8-Month Hiatus

Israeli airlines Arkia and Israir have resumed flights to Dubai for the first time in approximately eight months, following a complex and uncertain period of negotiations, approvals, and last-minute cancellations. The flights, part of an operation to repatriate Israelis stranded in the UAE, began on the previous evening and are continuing today with further rescue flights planned for the coming days. The first Israir rescue flight carried around 180 Israelis back to Israel. Passengers on these initial flights are traveling without their luggage, which will be sent separately on a follow-up aircraft. Arkia noted that this marks the first time an Israeli aircraft has landed in Dubai since February 26, 2026, two days before Operation "Lion's Roar." The airline is preparing to operate additional flights from Dubai to Israel throughout October, with multiple flights scheduled between the 5th and 12th, including two on October 10th. Both airlines described the operation as operationally and security-complex, made possible through collaboration with state and security agencies. The resumption of flights signifies the return of Israeli carriers to Dubai, at least for now, under the framework of repatriation efforts.