Challenge Airlines to Fly Luggage from Dubai to Israel

Israeli cargo airline Challenge Airlines is joining the operation to repatriate Israelis from Dubai by operating a Boeing 747 aircraft to transport passenger luggage back to Israel. This measure is required because, as part of the framework for rescue flights from Dubai, it was decided that passengers would only be allowed to bring carry-on luggage, not checked bags, due to security disputes. The suitcases are to be sent to Israel separately via cargo planes. The UAE authorities had previously demanded that a cargo plane fly concurrently with every rescue flight, a requirement that complicated operations for Israeli airlines. A compromise was eventually reached, wherein Challenge Airlines' cargo planes will be used to transport the luggage. According to Challenge Airlines, the aircraft assigned to the mission will fly to Dubai, load approximately 100 tons of Israeli passengers' luggage, and return to Israel. It is then expected to undertake additional trips as needed until the repatriation operation is complete. The company stated it has established a dedicated situation room and assigned the aircraft to the mission following a request from government officials. Muli Ravina, Chairman of the Board of Challenge Airlines, said the company coordinated with the Ministry of Defense, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Airports Authority to facilitate the luggage transport. The need for cargo planes arose during the operation to bring back Israelis stranded in Dubai after the suspension of Flydubai flights to Israel, following an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai plane on September 30th. During that incident, the co-pilot attacked the captain mid-flight, diverting the plane to Saudi Arabia. Consequently, Flydubai flights to Israel were suspended until October 15th. On Friday, Israeli airlines began operating rescue flights from Dubai. El Al, Arkia, and Israir prepared to bring back thousands of Israelis stranded in the Emirates, but the flights were accompanied by disputes with Emirates authorities regarding security and luggage arrangements. Under the current plan, Israeli planes will fly to Dubai empty, pick up Israelis, and return them to Israel, while their luggage will arrive separately.