Arkia CEO Warns of Flight Disruptions Amid UAE Aviation Dispute
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz warned of potential flight cancellations to and from the UAE due to an ongoing aviation dispute. The Israeli government is subsidizing flights, but the UAE's refusal to install specific security equipment has led to tensions and potential disruptions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Arkia CEO warns of flight cancellations amid UAE aviation dispute.
- UAE reportedly refused to install required baggage scanning machines.
- Israeli government is subsidizing flights to lower passenger costs.
- Over 500 Israelis have been repatriated from Dubai.
- Flydubai has canceled numerous flights, impacting thousands of passengers.
Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz revealed that the ongoing aviation crisis with the United Arab Emirates is complex, warning that flights may be canceled if current demands persist. Berlowitz stated that while Arkia's flights are currently operating, intensive discussions are underway between security officials and the Civil Aviation Authority to resolve the situation.
He noted that Arkia has already repatriated over 500 Israelis from Dubai. However, Flydubai has canceled approximately 10 flights daily, affecting around 1,500 passengers. Many affected travelers have rerouted through Abu Dhabi with Etihad or flown to Europe before connecting to Israel.
Berlowitz praised the Israeli government for subsidizing the empty return legs of flights, which has significantly lowered ticket prices to a maximum of $349 one-way, less than half of Flydubai's previous rates. He also mentioned that the government is funding cargo flights from the UAE to Israel due to high costs.
According to Channel 12 reporter Dean Fischer, the UAE has again created difficulties, informing the Shin Bet that they are unwilling to add the required baggage scanning machines. Consequently, a message was sent that flights would not depart if this demand continues, a development that reportedly displeased the Shin Bet.
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