Rescue flights from Dubai to Israel are set to begin Friday after a last-minute crisis over their approval was resolved following urgent overnight talks involving Israeli and Emirati officials. The Transportation Ministry and Shin Bet held intensive discussions after authorities in the United Arab Emirates reconsidered permission for Israeli airlines to operate the special flights.
“Following coordination with all relevant parties, it was agreed that flights operated by Israeli airlines from Dubai to Israel will begin on Friday, Oct. 2,” the Transportation Ministry said. “However, due to the need to complete preparations and the necessary security coordination for operating the flights, delays are expected in the departure of the repatriation flights from Dubai.” The ministry urged Israelis in Dubai to remain in contact with their airlines and follow updated instructions.
El Al had earlier announced that, pending security approval, it would begin rescue flights Friday. Tickets for two flights sold out online within about five minutes, at a flat fare of $249. Arkia also opened sales for rescue flights, including flights on Saturday, while Israir said it was preparing to operate two flights Friday subject to approval.
The talks with the UAE continued late into the night and involved the Shin Bet, Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Transportation Ministry and Israel’s ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley. El Al’s first flights had originally been scheduled to depart Dubai at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., but delays are now expected.
Passengers will be allowed to board the rescue flights with one personal bag only. Suitcases and carry-on trolleys will not be permitted and will instead be transported separately to Israel on cargo flights. Arkia said fares would start at $279, while Israir priced one-way tickets from Dubai at $299.
The rescue operation follows the suspected attack aboard flyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Israel. According to Israel’s assessment, the Omani co-pilot attacked and stabbed the Indian captain during the flight in an apparent attempt to take control of the aircraft. Crew members and Israeli passengers intervened, while two pilots traveling aboard helped bring the plane to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Around 180 passengers and crew were on board.
Arkia airliner
(Photo: Yair Sagi)
Following the incident, flyDubai suspended flights to and from Israel pending completion of the investigation, leaving hundreds of Israelis in the UAE without their planned flights home. Emirates also suspended its codeshare agreement with flyDubai on Israel routes and said passengers whose final destination is Tel Aviv would temporarily not be allowed to board Emirates flights to Dubai for onward travel to Israel.
With travel options from the UAE sharply reduced, the Transportation Ministry also contacted Etihad Airways and asked it to increase the number of flights from Abu Dhabi to Ben Gurion Airport.