Israel's El Al Delays Dubai Flights Amid Security Dispute
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Israeli airlines, including El Al and Arkia, are delaying international flights to Dubai and Marrakech due to ongoing security disputes with the UAE and new Israeli security demands. El Al's Dubai flights are now set for December 15, while Arkia has suspended its service indefinitely. The delays follow a hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight in late September, which intensified security concerns and led to a review of procedures for all flights to Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- El Al has postponed its Dubai flights from November to December 15 due to security issues.
- Arkia has suspended its Dubai service indefinitely and halted ticket sales to Marrakech.
- Security disagreements between Israel and the UAE concern screening equipment and airport measures.
- A September 30 hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight intensified security concerns.
- Israir and Sun DOr have also halted or delayed flights to Marrakech.
Israeli airlines are postponing the resumption and expansion of international flights due to security disagreements and stricter requirements, according to the economic publication "Calcalist." El Al has pushed back its planned November resumption of flights to Dubai to December 15. Another Israeli carrier, Arkia, has suspended its Dubai service indefinitely and stopped selling tickets to Marrakech at the request of Israeli security services, while it explores ways to maintain the route.
The difficulties on the Dubai route have persisted for months. Since the "Lion's Roar" operation, Israeli airlines have been prohibited from flying to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for security reasons. However, Flydubai and Etihad continued to operate between the countries until late September, prior to an incident on a Flydubai flight.
Disputes between Israeli security agencies and UAE authorities center on issues such as the placement of Israeli security screening equipment and security measures at Dubai Airport. A hijacking attempt on a Flydubai plane on September 30 exacerbated the crisis, raising questions about flight crew security checks and the operations of foreign airlines.
Following the September 30 incident, Flydubai flights to Israel were also suspended, prompting a review of security procedures. Although El Al and Arkia indicated plans to resume Dubai flights post-incident, the timelines are contingent on resolving security matters. Israeli security forces have also mandated a streamlined security system for all flights arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, requesting Flydubai flights to be consolidated in a dedicated zone at their departure airport.
The repercussions of the incident extend to other routes. Arkia is assessing options to continue selling tickets for flights to Morocco, potentially through commercial partners if Israeli companies cease operations to Marrakech. Israir has already halted its Marrakech flights, stopped ticket sales, and frozen expansion plans for the route. Sun DOr, a subsidiary of El Al, has also postponed its Marrakech service launch, initially set for November 16, until at least December 15.
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