Israeli Airlines Eye Abu Dhabi as Dubai Flights Remain Grounded
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia, and Israir are exploring a new route to Abu Dhabi as an alternative to Dubai due to the continued suspension of Flydubai flights to Israel. The potential launch of the Abu Dhabi route is awaiting security approvals. The dispute over security measures at Dubai Airport, following an alleged hijacking attempt, has stalled Flydubai's return and impacted Israeli carriers' access to Dubai.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli airlines may launch flights to Abu Dhabi as Flydubai's return to Israel is delayed.
- El Al, Arkia, and Israir are considering the Abu Dhabi route, pending security approvals.
- Flydubai's flights to Israel have been postponed again due to security disagreements.
- Israel has demanded enhanced security at Dubai Airport following a September incident.
- Emirati airlines have continued flights to Israel while Israeli carriers faced restrictions.
Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia, and Israir are reportedly considering launching flights to Abu Dhabi as an alternative to Dubai, following the continued suspension of services by Dubai-based carrier Flydubai. The move is contingent on security approvals from relevant authorities.
Flydubai's return to Israel, initially scheduled for next week, has been postponed once again. This has created an opportunity for Israeli carriers to establish a new route to Abu Dhabi, the home base of Etihad Airways, which currently operates multiple daily flights to Israel. Israeli airlines aim to compete on this significant route, which also offers numerous connecting flights.
The Ministry of Transport supports the initiative, which would see Israeli airlines operate direct flights to Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai. This potential shift comes after months of Israeli airlines being denied permission to fly to the UAE due to security concerns, while Emirati airlines continued their operations to Israel.
The impasse stems from security demands made by Israel following an alleged hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv in late September. Israel is seeking enhanced security measures at Dubai Airport, including additional X-ray scanners for baggage and the presence of Shin Bet security personnel. Disagreements over these demands and the transfer of the full investigation report to Israel have led to the ongoing delay in Flydubai's resumption of flights and have left Israeli carriers unable to fly to Dubai.
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