Israel's Arkia Loses Dubai Flight Permits Amidst Flydubai Suspension
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israeli airlines, including Arkia, El Al, and Israir, have lost their permits to fly from Dubai after the UAE revoked authorization. Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz believes this is a retaliatory measure because Flydubai is still barred from flying to Israel. The cancellations have stranded hundreds of passengers, and Arkia is offering refunds and alternative flights while seeking to restore its own permits. The airline also confirmed charging baggage fees, taking responsibility for luggage transport at a loss.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli airlines Arkia, El Al, and Israir lost flight permits from Dubai due to UAE's decision.
- Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz links the permit loss to Flydubai's ongoing suspension of flights to Israel.
- Hundreds of passengers were stranded in Dubai following the abrupt cancellation of flights.
- Arkia is refunding passengers and offering alternative travel options while seeking permit reinstatement.
- Arkia confirmed charging baggage fees, covering transport costs at a financial loss.
Israeli airlines have lost their permits to fly from Dubai, with Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz attributing the decision to the suspension of Flydubai flights to Israel. Arkia was forced to cease its own flights from Dubai following the cancellation of evacuation flights to Israel, a move also mirrored by El Al and Israir. The United Arab Emirates authorities revoked the flight permits for Israeli carriers operating out of Dubai.
Berlowitz believes the UAE's decision is directly linked to Flydubai not yet being permitted to resume flights to Israel. "There were supposed to be flights every day, but unfortunately, the Emirati authorities suspended and canceled them. In my interpretation, until Flydubai is allowed to return, they won't allow us to fly either," Berlowitz stated, emphasizing a perceived matter of honor in the Middle East. He added that Flydubai claims to have addressed all issues and dismissed dozens of employees, but until they resume flights, Arkia expects to remain grounded.
The cancellation left hundreds of passengers stranded in Dubai, forcing them to seek more complicated routes home. Arkia is actively seeking to regain its flight permits, with Berlowitz utilizing all available channels, though without success thus far. He suggested that the resumption of flights for both airlines might depend on an Israeli delegation inspecting and approving the findings related to Flydubai's operational readiness.
Arkia is assisting stranded passengers by offering full refunds and the option to return to Israel on Arkia flights from other countries, though availability is limited. Berlowitz acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, "I am very sorry for these people, I receive quite a few requests, and we are trying to help. It's not that simple and depends on requests and available seats on the planes."
Regarding baggage fees, Berlowitz confirmed Arkia charged for luggage transport, even when carried on IDF aircraft. He explained the company takes responsibility for the baggage until it reaches the passenger's home, incurring costs significantly higher than the fees collected. Arkia stated they would refund passengers if the state compensates them for these expenses.
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