Israeli Cargo Plane Flies to Dubai to Return Passenger Luggage

Challenge Airlines, an Israeli cargo company, is deploying a Boeing 747 cargo plane to transport the luggage of Israeli citizens from Dubai back to Israel. The aircraft is scheduled to depart from Ben Gurion Airport on the same day it was reported, fly to Dubai, load the stranded passengers' belongings, and return to Israel. The plane will then make additional trips to Dubai as needed to complete the operation.

This initiative became possible after all necessary approvals were secured within the last hour. Challenge Airlines and its fleet have pledged to continue supporting the state in both routine and emergency situations, providing aerial and logistical solutions for Israel's evolving needs.

Muli Ravina, Chairman of the Board of Challenge Airlines, stated that upon receiving the request for a cargo plane, the company immediately coordinated with the Ministry of Defense's Director of Procurement and Production, Shmuel Zakai, the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, and Sharon Kadmi, CEO of Reshet. A situation room was established, and a dedicated aircraft was reserved for this critical mission. Ravina emphasized that providing the cargo plane for passenger luggage, as required by the UAE authorities, enabled the repatriation of Israelis.

Challenge Group, owned by Ofer Glilboa, employs approximately 1,200 people globally and operates 16 wide-body aircraft with significant operational centers in Israel, Belgium, and Malta. The group offers integrated logistics solutions, including aviation, cargo terminals, ground services, and land transportation. The company's operations in Israel are growing, with Challenge Airlines Israel transporting about 98,981 tons of cargo at Ben Gurion Airport in 2025, a 22% increase from 81,312 tons in 2024, representing approximately 35.5% of cargo aircraft activity at the airport.