Flydubai Extends Suspension of Flights to Israel Until December 2026
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Flydubai has extended the suspension of its direct flights to Israel's Ben Gurion Airport until December 15, 2026, following a security incident. Israeli carriers also await security clearance to resume services. While direct flights to Dubai are halted, Etihad Airways continues to fly to Abu Dhabi, offering an alternative route to the UAE. The resumption of flights depends on ongoing security checks and approvals from both Israeli and UAE authorities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Flydubai has extended its suspension of flights to Israel until December 15, 2026.
- The suspension impacts direct flights between Israel and Dubai, a popular travel destination.
- An attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight in September led to the initial flight cancellations.
- Israeli airlines have not yet received security clearance to resume flights to Dubai.
- Etihad Airways continues to operate direct flights between Israel and Abu Dhabi.
- The resumption of flights depends on security checks and approvals from both Israeli and UAE authorities.
Direct flights between Israel and Dubai will remain suspended until at least mid-December 2026, following a decision by the UAE airline Flydubai. The airline has extended its cancellation of flights to Ben Gurion Airport until December 15, 2026. Israeli carriers have not yet received security clearance to resume flights on this route, according to Calcalist. This means air travel between Israel and Dubai will be absent for approximately a month and a half following a significant incident involving a Flydubai aircraft that led to the initial suspension.
The flight restrictions began on September 30 after an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Initially, Flydubai announced a suspension until investigations were complete, with subsequent extensions leading to the current December 15 date. However, this date does not guarantee the resumption of flights, which will depend on security checks and the overall safety situation. The lack of permits for Israeli airlines further complicates the situation, preventing local carriers from restarting services.
This extension impacts Israelis planning trips to Dubai in the coming weeks, requiring them to find alternative routes. The suspension affects not only Flydubai flights but also code-sharing flights with Emirates, limiting travel options for those relying on Dubai as a transit hub. Passengers are advised to check airline schedules and consider the ongoing restrictions.
Despite the suspension of direct flights to Dubai, air travel between Israel and the UAE is not entirely halted. Etihad Airways continues to operate direct flights between Ben Gurion Airport and Abu Dhabi, offering an alternative route to the UAE. Israeli airlines are expected to join the Abu Dhabi route soon, though specific timelines are unavailable. For those needing to reach Dubai, flying to Abu Dhabi and then taking ground transportation is an option, though it involves additional travel time and costs.
The earliest indicated end date for Flydubai's restrictions is December 15, 2026, but the final decision hinges on security assessments. The situation is complicated by the need for approvals from both the UAE carrier and Israeli security authorities before direct flights can be reinstated.
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