Israeli Airlines Eye Abu Dhabi as Dubai Flights Remain Stalled
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia, and Israir are exploring flights to Abu Dhabi as Flydubai's return to Israel remains postponed due to security disagreements. The Israeli carriers seek to operate direct flights to Abu Dhabi, a move supported by the Ministry of Transport. The dispute involves Israel's security demands at Dubai Airport following an alleged hijacking attempt.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli airlines may fly to Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai due to flight suspensions.
- Flydubai's return to Israel is postponed again amid security disputes.
- Israel demands enhanced security at Dubai Airport, including Shin Bet presence.
- Abu Dhabi is considered a significant destination with many connecting flights.
- The Israeli Ministry of Transport supports the new route to Abu Dhabi.
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 UAE carrier Flydubai. The move is contingent on security approvals.
Flydubai's return to Israel, initially planned for next week, has been postponed again, prompting Israeli carriers to explore the Abu Dhabi route. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, already operates multiple daily flights to Israel, and Israeli airlines aim to compete on this new corridor. Abu Dhabi is seen as a significant destination, partly due to its extensive connecting flights.
The Israeli Ministry of Transport supports the initiative. If approved, Israeli airlines would operate direct flights to Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai.
Previously, Israeli airlines were barred from flying to the UAE for months due to security concerns, while Emirati airlines continued to operate flights to Israel. The impasse stems from Israel's demand for enhanced security measures at Dubai Airport following an alleged hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv in late September. Israel requested additional X-ray scanners, baggage checks, and the presence of Shin Bet security personnel at the airport. Disagreements over these demands and the handover of the full incident investigation to Israel have led to the ongoing delay in Flydubai's return and prevented Israeli airlines from flying to Dubai.
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