Israelis Stranded in Dubai as Rescue Flights Canceled Amid Emirates' Stance
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Rescue flights for Israelis in Dubai scheduled for today and tomorrow have been canceled due to the UAE revoking permits for a baggage-handling arrangement. El Al and Israir have canceled flights, while Arkia is still negotiating. Approximately 7,400 Israelis have already been repatriated, and those remaining are using flights from Abu Dhabi as an alternative.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rescue flights for Israelis in Dubai are canceled today and tomorrow due to UAE policy changes.
- El Al and Israir have canceled flights, with Arkia still in negotiations.
- The UAE no longer approves the current arrangement for transporting luggage separately.
- Around 7,400 passengers have been repatriated to Israel so far.
- Israelis are using flights from Abu Dhabi as an alternative route home.
Rescue flights for Israelis in Dubai, scheduled for today and tomorrow, are facing cancellation due to a change in the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) policy regarding cargo planes carrying luggage separately. The UAE is no longer approving the current arrangement that allowed flights to operate without passengers' checked baggage being transported with them. Intense discussions are underway to potentially extend the flights until Thursday, but current indications suggest this will not happen.
El Al announced the cancellation of its rescue flights for today, and Israir followed suit this morning after its flight permits were revoked by UAE authorities. Arkia is still assessing its options for a flight planned for tomorrow, October 8th, and is in talks with relevant parties. This crisis follows an earlier solution that permitted passenger returns without luggage, with baggage flown separately on cargo planes due to UAE demands. The current impasse, stemming from revoked permits and a lack of agreement on operational procedures, casts doubt on completing the evacuation mission on schedule.
To date, approximately 7,400 passengers have been returned to Israel as part of this operation, significantly reducing the number of Israelis remaining in Dubai. The reasons behind the UAE's policy shift and potential solutions to resume flights are currently being investigated.
Meanwhile, Israelis still in Dubai or seeking alternative routes home are opting to fly via Abu Dhabi. Israel's Ministry of Transport has requested Etihad to increase the number of flights on this route.
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