Flydubai Flight Cancellations Cause Airfare Crisis in Israel
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Flydubai flights to Israel suspended after attempted terror attack.
- Airfare prices to Asia have more than quadrupled.
- Seat shortages are impacting immediate and future travel bookings.
- Etihad Airways increased flights but cannot compensate for Flydubai's absence.
- Travelers are facing significantly higher costs on alternative routes.
A significant crisis has gripped Israel's air travel market following the sudden suspension of Flydubai flights. The airline halted operations to Tel Aviv after an attempted terrorist attack on a flight on September 30, 2026. This decision has led to a severe shortage of seats and a dramatic surge in ticket prices, impacting both immediate departures and bookings for the winter season.
The withdrawal of Flydubai, a key hub for connecting flights to Asia, has caused prices to skyrocket. For instance, a one-way ticket from Tel Aviv to Manila, with a layover in Abu Dhabi, has more than quadrupled in price, rising from $447 to $1966. Seats for immediate travel to Manila are virtually nonexistent, with limited business class or mid-month options available at exorbitant rates. Similar price hikes and scarcity are reported for flights to Thailand, Japan, and Sri Lanka, with round-trip tickets now costing between $1500 and $2600 or more.
Etihad Airways is currently the only airline from the UAE still flying to Israel. While Etihad has increased its daily flights to Abu Dhabi from two to eight, this is insufficient to cover the capacity lost by Flydubai's absence. Travelers are now turning to Israeli airlines like El Al and Arkia, as well as European carriers such as Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, which has further driven up costs. Round-trip flights via Europe or direct to Bangkok and Tokyo now start at $1650-$2600.
The impact is also being felt for future travel. According to the travel company Ofir Tours, January 2027 tickets have seen an average price increase of 40-65%. For example, Arkia's flights to Bangkok have risen from $1200 to nearly $2000, with similar increases seen on El Al and international partner flights. Roni Waxman, Deputy Chairman of Ofir Tours, emphasized Dubai's critical role as a transit point for Israelis traveling to India, Vietnam, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Experts warn that if the flight suspension continues, ticket prices will likely rise further, and they advise booking travel during peak periods as soon as possible.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Other 2
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
