Israelis Seek New Destinations After Dubai Flights Canceled
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Following the cancellation of flights to Dubai, Israelis are flocking to Georgia, which has seen a surge in bookings for Tbilisi and Batumi. European cities like Prague and Budapest are also gaining popularity as alternative destinations. The flight suspensions have also disrupted transit routes to Asia and Australia, causing price hikes and seat shortages. Travel experts recommend careful planning and consideration of all associated costs when choosing new travel options.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Georgia has become the top destination for Israelis after Dubai flights were canceled, with bookings rising to 30.2%.
- Prague and Budapest are popular European alternatives, offering urban exploration and cultural experiences.
- Traditional destinations like Cyprus and Greek islands remain popular but may not match Dubai's scale.
- The flight cancellations have disrupted transit routes to Asia and Australia, causing significant price increases.
- 837,000 passengers traveled between Israel and the UAE in the first eight months of 2026.
- Travelers are advised to carefully assess costs and logistics for alternative destinations.
Following the suspension of flights to Dubai and the UAE due to a "serious incident" involving a Flydubai flight, Israeli travelers are exploring alternative destinations. Georgia has emerged as a primary beneficiary, with a significant increase in bookings to Tbilisi and Batumi, according to Israeli travel company Gulliver. These Georgian cities now account for 30.2% of Gulliver's bookings, up from 25% previously, attributed to their accessible logistics and diverse offerings.
Classic European destinations are also seeing renewed interest. Prague has climbed to second place in booking preferences, offering a comfortable autumn experience with fewer crowds and the anticipation of Christmas markets. Budapest has also gained popularity, with bookings rising to 3.6% from 2.5%, attracting visitors with its thermal baths and Danube river views. These European capitals provide an alternative to beach holidays, focusing on urban exploration.
Traditional destinations like Cyprus and the Greek islands, including Rhodes and Athens, continue to retain a loyal customer base, with Larnaca and Paphos making up 7.2% of Gulliver's bookings. However, the article notes that these locations may not fully replicate the large-scale attractions of Dubai, especially during the off-season when some tourist infrastructure reduces operations.
The disruption extends beyond direct tourism, as Dubai served as a crucial transit hub for flights to Asia and Australia. The cancellation of Flydubai flights has impacted routes to Thailand, Vietnam, India, Japan, and the Philippines. In the first eight months of 2026, 837,000 passengers traveled between Israel and the UAE, representing 7.5% of Ben Gurion Airport's traffic. The scarcity of available seats on alternative routes has led to significant price increases, with some flights becoming several times more expensive than in September.
As of late October, the situation remains uncertain, with flight cancellations extended and security negotiations between Israeli airlines and UAE authorities ongoing. While Etihad Airways continues to fly to Abu Dhabi, offering a one-hour drive to Dubai, this option is less convenient for transit passengers. The crisis has prompted a more conservative approach to travel planning, with a rise in bookings to familiar destinations. Experts advise travelers to carefully assess costs, cancellation policies, and the reliability of connections when choosing alternative trips.