Israel Completes Dubai Rescue Flights Amid Security Disputes

An operation to repatriate Israelis from Dubai, which began after flight disruptions following an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai plane, is set to conclude on Thursday. Israeli airlines have been operating flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with the Ministry of Transportation coordinating the effort. As of now, 941 passengers have returned on Israeli carriers, and an additional 2,102 Israelis have come back on Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi, bringing the total repatriated through this special operation to 3,043.

These flights commenced on Friday after significant disruptions to air travel between Israel and the UAE. The repatriation effort involved 37 flights from Dubai to Ben Gur જેથી, carrying a total of 7,479 passengers, including regular Etihad travelers. Passengers were separated from their luggage, which was transported on separate flights due to security protocol disagreements between the UAE and Israel's Shin Bet security agency.

The Ministry of Transportation stated that the operation is ongoing based on passenger demand and needs, and that the ministry is coordinating with airlines and relevant authorities. The decision to end the operation on Thursday was made based on current information, with the ministry continuing to monitor passenger needs until the flights cease.

Minister of Transportation Miri Regev affirmed the ministry's commitment to completing the repatriation effort, stating, "We continue in a concentrated effort to complete the return operation and ensure that additional Israelis can return home safely, quickly, and in an orderly manner. Our goal is to complete the mission as soon as possible, while providing a response to all Israelis wishing to return to Israel."