Arkia Cancels Dubai Flights After Permits Revoked

Israeli airline Arkia announced on Wednesday the cancellation of its return flights from Dubai to Israel, following the revocation of permits granted to Israeli carriers. The company stated that the authorization for flights was valid until Tuesday, but authorities decided in the evening to cancel permits for Israeli airlines operating from Dubai. Arkia officials said they worked with all relevant parties to reinstate the permits and allow flights to continue, but their efforts were unsuccessful. "Unfortunately, these efforts have not succeeded to date, and therefore we are forced to cancel the flights," the company said in a statement. Passengers whose flights were canceled will receive a full refund. Additionally, passengers who can reach another destination from which Arkia operates flights to Israel will be eligible for a 10% discount on a ticket from that alternative location.

Arkia had recently announced plans to significantly increase flights on the Dubai-Israel route between October 5 and 12, with daily flights and two flights scheduled for October 10. Tickets were already on sale, though the company had noted that the schedule was subject to change based on approvals and operational circumstances.

Arkia is not the only Israeli airline facing difficulties. Israir also had its return flight permit for October 8 canceled unilaterally by UAE authorities. El Al also had to cancel flights from Dubai after its landing permits were revoked. These special flights were initiated following the suspension of Flydubai's Tel Aviv route after an attempted hijacking, with Arkia and Israir initially successful in bringing passengers back from Dubai.