Israel's Transportation Ministry announced Friday that Israeli airlines will begin operating repatriation flights from Dubai, but departures will be delayed pending completion of security coordination. The ministry said it is working with authorities in Israel and abroad to enable flights as soon as possible.
The Israeli Ministry of Transportation announced Friday morning that Israeli airlines will begin operating repatriation flights from Dubai, but actual departures will be delayed pending completion of security coordination. Following coordination among all relevant parties, the ministry stated that operations have been approved to commence today, yet takeoff times are postponed to allow for final security arrangements. The ministry continues to work with authorities in Israel and abroad to expedite the flights. Israeli citizens in Dubai are advised to contact their airlines directly for updates. Specific departure times have not yet been announced.
The announcement marks a delay to earlier plans. Throughout Thursday, The Zioneer reported that Israeli security authorities had cleared the start of rescue flights, with operations initially expected to begin Friday morning. Reports from Israeli media, including N12 and ynet, indicated that the operation would involve El Al, Arkia, and Israir, with an estimated 10,000 stranded Israelis to be flown back over several days. Passengers were initially expected to board with carry-on luggage only, with checked baggage permitted starting Monday. The Transportation Ministry had also instructed airlines to maintain fair pricing and not exploit the situation.
The rescue operation follows the attempted hijacking of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Following the incident, Israel suspended all Flydubai flights for at least six days. The UAE attorney general ordered a formal investigation into the affair; an Israeli senior official later ruled out an Iranian connection, stating the co-pilot acted alone. As The Zioneer reported, Shin Bet security personnel were dispatched to Dubai this morning to prepare the security arrangements for the rescue flights.
The precise timing of the first departures remains unclear. Passengers are urged to monitor updates from their airlines. The ministry stated it is working to enable flights as soon as possible, but no firm schedule has been released.
16 developments
- StrongEmirates clarifies: Tel Aviv-bound passengers can land in Dubai after rescue flights approved
- DevelopingArkia, Israir say UAE rescue flights approved after El Al cancels Friday repatriations
- DevelopingIsrair receives Israeli CAA approval for US flights, plans FAA request for New York in August
- StrongUAE cancels Wednesday rescue flights from Dubai, leaving Israeli passengers in limbo
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