Dubai Flights Suspended, Forcing Israelis to Seek New Routes to Asia
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Flydubai has suspended flights to Israel until at least late November, significantly impacting travel options and increasing costs for Israelis. This also affects travel to the Far East, forcing passengers to find alternative, often more expensive, routes. While Dubai remains a popular destination, booking numbers have fallen due to limited flights, though experts anticipate a recovery once operations normalize.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Flydubai flights to Israel suspended until at least late November, impacting travel.
- Travel costs to the UAE and Far East have increased significantly for Israelis.
- Alternative flight routes via Zurich, Vienna, and Addis Ababa are now being used.
- Dubai bookings have dropped 65% but interest remains high.
- Experts predict a swift return of Israeli tourists to Dubai.
Flydubai has announced it will not resume flights to Israel until at least the end of November, with Israeli airlines yet to return to the UAE, making a December resumption unlikely. This leaves Israelis with limited options for travel to the region, primarily Etihad Airways, leading to increased costs. A round-trip ticket in December is priced at an average of $1,185, compared to an expected $400-$500 if Israeli carriers were operating.
The disruption also affects travel to the Far East, as Dubai was a common transit point. Direct flights to Hanoi, Bangkok, and Phuket are now significantly more expensive than in the previous year, averaging $1,197, $1,541, and $2,250 respectively. While Hanoi prices are lower than last year, Bangkok and Phuket have seen substantial increases.
Experts suggest alternative connection hubs in cities like Addis Ababa, Zurich, Vienna, and Munich. Flights to Bangkok via these cities can be found for around $923 to $1,092, though prices can vary. Tamar Gerzon, CEO of Gulliver, notes that while these routes offer more choice and flexibility, they are not always cheaper than direct flights were previously.
Despite the flight disruptions, Dubai remains a popular destination for Israelis, with search interest unchanged. However, actual bookings have dropped by 65% due to reduced flight availability. Yoni Waxman of Ofir Tours believes this is a temporary situation and expects a swift return of Israeli tourists to Dubai once flight operations stabilize.
Mentioned
