Arkia Cancels Dubai Rescue Flights After UAE Revokes Permits

Arkia Airlines has canceled its planned repatriation flights from Dubai to Israel after authorities in the United Arab Emirates revoked permits for Israeli airlines to operate from Dubai. Arkia's permit, like those of El Al and Israir, expired on Tuesday, and a decision was made in the evening not to renew it. Arkia stated that its efforts to regain the permit were unsuccessful. Passengers on the canceled flights will receive full refunds. Additionally, passengers who can reach another destination served by Arkia will receive a 10% discount on a new ticket from that location. El Al and Israir had also canceled their rescue flights earlier on Tuesday. This means hundreds of Israelis will need to find their own way out of Dubai, as there is currently no prospect of the permits being reinstated. The cancellations come despite plans by the three Israeli airlines to resume regular routes to Dubai next month. Progress in negotiations had recently seemed to pave the way for the airlines' return to the route after months of being barred from flying to the UAE. The current crisis began following an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai aircraft, which reopened discussions on security arrangements for flights between the countries. A dispute arose between Israel and the UAE regarding the Shin Bet's security requirements at Dubai Airport. While understandings were reached at one point, allowing some rescue flights, the permits for Israeli carriers have now been canceled again.