Israeli airlines are set to launch repatriation flights from Dubai to bring home citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates after flydubai suspended its services to Israel. This suspension occurred following an incident involving a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where an alleged altercation between the copilot and pilot led to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The UAE authorities are currently investigating the incident.
El Al, Arkia, and Israir will operate these special flights, beginning on Friday, to facilitate the return of Israelis. The flights will depart from Tel Aviv to Dubai without passengers and return with those who were due to travel back through flydubai or Emirates. The Israeli government has agreed to compensate the airlines for the costs associated with the outbound flights that will carry no passengers.
Specifically, El Al intends to conduct two Dubai-Tel Aviv flights on Friday, while Arkia plans to operate one. Israir is also preparing to offer additional services. The airlines have set one-way fares at $249 for El Al, $279 for Arkia, and $299 for Israir, with a directive to maintain fair pricing.
Further measures include the Israeli Transportation Ministry’s request for additional flights from Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv to aid in the repatriation effort. For those unable to return via Dubai, alternative travel routes through European cities and nearby hubs such as Athens and Larnaca are being offered, though some passengers may need to arrange subsequent flights to Israel on their own.