Abu Dhabi Emerges as New Hub for Israelis After Dubai Flights Canceled

Following the suspension of flights to Dubai due to a hijacking attempt on a Flydubai plane, Abu Dhabi, operated by Etihad Airways, is positioning itself as the new central hub for Israeli travelers heading to the East and for vacations within the UAE. This shift has led to a significant increase in bookings for flights to Abu Dhabi.

Historically, Istanbul served as a primary transit point for Israelis traveling eastward. After the cancellation of flights to Turkey due to the war, Dubai quickly filled this void, with Flydubai notably continuing operations even during difficult periods. Dubai became the main hub for Israelis until the recent incident involving Flydubai, which resulted in the suspension of its flights to Israel, at least until the end of November.

Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is now stepping in to fill the gap. The airline currently operates six daily flights from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi, totaling 42 weekly flights. Starting November 9, seat capacity on this route will increase with the deployment of a larger aircraft on one of the daily flights. Etihad reports a surge in demand for flights to Abu Dhabi, with a more than 60% increase in bookings observed since the Flydubai incident. Popular onward destinations from Abu Dhabi include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi in Thailand, as well as Japan, Sri Lanka, Seoul, and China. Some passengers whose Dubai flights were canceled are reportedly flying to Abu Dhabi and then continuing to Dubai for their original onward journey or to stay in the city.

Israeli travel agencies confirm this trend, noting that Abu Dhabi is being considered both as a vacation destination and a departure point for onward travel. "Abu Dhabi is much more than a temporary alternative; it's an excellent destination in itself," stated Nir Mazor, Deputy Director of Aviation Relations. Tamar Garzon, CEO of Gulliver, added that Etihad is currently the sole airline offering direct flights from Israel to Abu Dhabi, with onward connections to various Eastern destinations, highlighting the over 60% increase in bookings through Abu Dhabi.

Looking ahead, aviation expert Dr. Uzi Freund Feinstein suggests that while Abu Dhabi is a viable short-term alternative, its long-term potential as a major hub for Israelis is limited compared to Dubai. Etihad's fleet is smaller than Emirates', impacting seat availability, flight frequency, and pricing. Furthermore, Emirates serves destinations not covered by Etihad. For Abu Dhabi to become a significant connection point, Etihad would need to expand its seat capacity and offer more convenient connections with shorter layovers and competitive prices. The ultimate success will depend on a combination of attractive pricing, availability, and convenience for Israeli travelers.

Regarding the return of Israeli travelers to flights via Dubai, Feinstein believes that while Israelis value Emirates' high service standards and extensive network, the recent hijacking attempt may affect immediate trust. Emirates might resume direct flights to Israel, potentially replacing Flydubai. However, if Flydubai offers significantly lower prices and competitor capacity remains limited, Israelis may eventually return to flying with them. A recent survey indicated Emirates was a preferred airline among Israelis, ranking high in service and conditions.