In response to the suspension of flydubai flights to Israel, Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia, and Israir are set to operate repatriation flights from Dubai starting Friday. This measure aims to bring back Israelis who are currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates. The suspension came after a flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia due to an alleged altercation between the copilot and the pilot. UAE authorities are actively investigating the incident.
The Israeli airlines will conduct outbound flights from Tel Aviv to Dubai without passengers and will return with those Israelis who were scheduled to travel back with flydubai or Emirates. The Israeli government has assured compensation for the airlines covering the costs of these empty outbound flights. For the return journey, El Al has planned two flights on Friday, while Arkia will operate one flight. Israir is also in the process of organizing additional services. Ticket prices for these flights have been set at $249 for El Al, $279 for Arkia, and $299 for Israir, with a directive to maintain reasonable pricing structures.
Additionally, Israel’s Transportation Ministry has approached Etihad Airways to offer more flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv to assist in the repatriation efforts. This initiative is intended to provide more options for stranded passengers to return home.
Passengers unable to return via Dubai are being offered alternative routes through European cities and nearby hubs, such as Athens and Larnaca. However, some travelers may need to make separate arrangements for onward flights to Israel from these locations. The situation remains dynamic as airlines and authorities work to resolve the disruption caused by the suspension of flydubai services.