Israel-UAE Flights to Dubai Face Cancellation Over Security Dispute

Return flights from Dubai to Israel, scheduled for Monday, are at risk of cancellation due to a security dispute between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. An aviation industry source indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding the security of Israeli passengers at Dubai Airport and during boarding. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) is reportedly demanding the installation of X-ray scanners for luggage inspection, but the UAE is presenting obstacles.

Israeli airlines stated they are prepared to operate the return flights and have not yet received official cancellation notices. There is concern that passengers might receive last-minute cancellations for flights planned to depart after midnight on October 5th. At least ten return flights are scheduled for Monday, aiming to bring Israelis back from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

This situation follows Fly Dubai's announcement on Friday to freeze flights on the Dubai-Tel Aviv route indefinitely. During the return flights that operated since Friday, one plane carried passengers and another carried luggage. This arrangement was made because the UAE did not want luggage left at Dubai Airport, while Israel simultaneously increased its security demands. The Israeli cargo company Challenge Airlines has allocated a plane to transport passenger luggage from Dubai back to Israel.