Israeli Airlines Approved for Abu Dhabi Flights Amid Dubai Dispute
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli airlines El Al, Israir, and Arkia have been approved to fly directly to Abu Dhabi, offering an alternative to Dubai after a flight security incident. The decision has angered Israeli airline executives, who argue Abu Dhabi is not a commercial substitute for Dubai and fear losing access to the lucrative Dubai route. While flights to Abu Dhabi are permitted, Israeli carriers are still banned from Dubai due to unresolved security demands. The Israeli aviation industry is urging for a balanced policy and fair competition.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli airlines El Al, Israir, and Arkia are now approved to fly directly to Abu Dhabi.
- The approval follows the suspension of flights to Dubai after a Flydubai hijacking attempt.
- Israeli airlines are still banned from landing in Dubai due to security requirement disagreements.
- Israeli airline executives expressed anger, calling Abu Dhabi an inadequate substitute for Dubai.
- Etihad Airways has seen a significant increase in demand for connecting flights via Abu Dhabi.
- The Israeli aviation industry seeks fair competition and a balanced policy for all routes.
Israeli airlines El Al, Israir, and Arkia have received approval from Israeli security officials to operate direct flights to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This decision comes after the suspension of flights to Dubai following an attempted hijacking incident involving Flydubai. The move aims to provide an alternative route for tens of thousands of Israeli passengers who previously used Dubai as a transit hub to the Far East, especially after flights to Turkey were canceled.
Etihad Airways, the sole airline currently operating flights between Israel and Abu Dhabi, has seen a significant surge in demand, reportedly over 60%, for connecting flights to the East. The airline has responded by deploying wide-body aircraft and offering complimentary accommodation during layovers.
Despite the approval for Abu Dhabi, the ban on Israeli airlines landing in Dubai remains in effect, as security negotiations between Israel and Dubai authorities have not reached an agreement on Israel's stringent security requirements. This has sparked considerable anger among Israeli airline executives.
Industry leaders argue that Abu Dhabi, while a viable option, is not a true commercial substitute for Dubai, which serves as the region's primary center for trade, tourism, and transit. They fear that when Flydubai eventually resumes its flights, Israeli carriers will be excluded from the lucrative Dubai route once again.
Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir, criticized the policy, calling the opening of flights to Abu Dhabi while flights to Dubai remain exclusive to Flydubai a "strategic mistake." He emphasized the need for balanced policy that serves Israeli aviation and ensures fair competition, stating that the Emirati market is a single entity. Israeli airlines have not yet commenced flights to Abu Dhabi, citing competition from Etihad, aircraft availability issues, and reliance on code-share agreements. The industry is now looking to political and security leadership to secure an agreement that would reopen access to Dubai.
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