Israeli Airlines Cancel Dubai Evacuation Flights Amid UAE Permit Issues
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
All three Israeli airlines, El Al, Israir, and Arkia, have canceled evacuation flights from Dubai after the UAE refused to extend their flight permits. Hundreds of Israelis are now stranded, with no clear timeline for resuming flights. The cancellations follow disagreements over security measures mandated by Israel's Shin Bet at Dubai Airport. The airlines plan to resume regular flights in November, but the current situation leaves passengers seeking alternative travel arrangements.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- All Israeli airlines canceled evacuation flights from Dubai due to expired UAE permits.
- Hundreds of Israelis are stranded in Dubai with no immediate solution for return.
- UAE authorities did not extend flight permits for El Al, Israir, and Arkia.
- Disagreements over Shin Bet security requirements at Dubai Airport contributed to the crisis.
- Israeli airlines aim to resume regular flights to Dubai in November.
- Arkia offers full refunds or a 10% discount for passengers making alternative travel plans.
Hundreds of Israelis are stranded in Dubai after all three Israeli airlines canceled their evacuation flights. Arkia announced its cancellation on Wednesday, October 7, following similar moves by El Al and Israir. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities did not extend flight permits for the Israeli carriers operating out of Dubai, and the resumption of these flights remains uncertain. The permits had been valid until Tuesday, October 6, but were not renewed by the UAE authorities that evening. Arkia stated that its attempts to secure new permits through official channels have been unsuccessful. El Al and Israir had already canceled their evacuation flights scheduled for the first half of Wednesday. Arkia will provide full refunds to passengers whose flights were canceled. Those who arrange their own travel to another destination from which Arkia flies to Israel will receive a 10% discount on their onward ticket. This situation arose following an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai plane on September 30, 2026, which reignited discussions on security measures for flights between Israel and the UAE. In recent days, Israel and the UAE had disagreed on security requirements set by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) for Dubai Airport. While agreements were reached at one point, allowing several evacuation flights to operate, the permits for Israeli airlines have now expired again. The three Israeli carriers intend to resume regular flights to Dubai in November. Progress in negotiations last week had been expected to facilitate the return of flights on this route after several months of a ban on Israeli airlines flying to the UAE. Flydubai has suspended its flights to Israel. Emirates announced on October 1, 2026, that passengers whose final destination is Ben Gurion Airport would not be permitted to board its flights to Dubai from various countries.
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