More than 10,000 Israeli travelers are stranded in Dubai and other regional hubs as diplomatic friction delays the resumption of commercial flights following a security incident on a Flydubai aircraft, Ynetnews reported. The disruption began Wednesday when an Omani co-pilot attempted to crash a Flydubai flight, prompting an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia and the subsequent suspension of the airline’s service to Israel.
Arkia and Israir Repatriation Flights Land in Dubai
An Arkia repatriation flight landed in Dubai on Friday to begin bringing stranded citizens home, according to The Jerusalem Post. Israir also announced that it received final approvals from Emirati authorities to operate flights to Dubai during the day. The Transportation Ministry stated that while Israeli carriers were cleared to begin flights on Friday, October 2, security preparations caused delays in departures. A cargo plane was also dispatched to the UAE at Emirati request to transport passengers’ luggage separately.
Emirati Officials Criticize Israeli Political Framing
A source close to the United Arab Emirates government sharply criticized the Israeli government’s handling of the crisis, accusing officials of exploiting the attack for political purposes. Speaking to Ynetnews, the source objected to the use of the term “rescue flights,” stating that it created a false impression of war or danger. “Everything Israel asked for, the UAE said ‘yes,'” the source told The Jerusalem Post, adding that the UAE administration felt the situation was being prolonged for domestic political reasons. The source noted that Etihad was scheduled to operate eight flights to Abu Dhabi beginning Sunday under stricter security protocols, and argued that similar procedures could have been applied immediately to Flydubai.
Netanyahu Investigates Potential External Directions
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Friday that investigators were examining whether the Omani co-pilot acted on instructions from an external party. “As time passes, the picture is becoming clearer,” Netanyahu stated, according to Ynetnews, adding that the attacker underwent Islamist radicalization. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he had heard Iran may have been connected to the incident, while Israeli officials maintained that the potential Iranian connection remained under active investigation. Following the incident, the Indian captain and the Omani co-pilot were transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE to continue joint investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dubai Flight Crisis
Why were Flydubai flights to Israel suspended?
Flydubai suspended all flights to Israel until further notice following an incident on Wednesday where an Omani co-pilot attempted to crash an aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
How many Israelis are currently stranded abroad?
Estimates indicate that more than 10,000 Israelis are stranded in Dubai and other connecting destinations due to the flight suspensions and subsequent security vetting delays.
When will normal commercial air travel resume between the UAE and Israel?
While Israeli carriers Arkia and Israir began operating limited repatriation flights on Friday, October 2, Etihad Airways is scheduled to resume flights to Abu Dhabi under stricter security protocols starting Sunday.
Airlines Schedule Flights as Authorities Review Screening Procedures
Additional Arkia and Israir flights are scheduled to depart for Dubai, with a Saturday night service operating on behalf of El Al. El Al confirmed it will implement its planned repatriation flights as soon as official permission is granted. Meanwhile, Emirati authorities are conducting their own investigation into the cockpit incident and reviewing tighter screening procedures for aircrews ahead of Sunday’s scheduled Etihad operations.
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