Israeli airline El Al announced on Friday, October 2, 2026, that it has canceled flights scheduled for that day to repatriate Israeli citizens from Dubai. This decision comes after Dubai-based airline FlyDubai suspended its flights to and from Israel following an incident on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The incident involved a disturbance in the cockpit, forcing the crew to divert the plane and make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
According to an El Al spokesperson, the flights scheduled for Friday were canceled without a new date being set. The Israeli Transportation Ministry stated that Israel had not yet received the necessary approval from the United Arab Emirates to operate the repatriation flights. El Al had planned to operate two special flights to bring back Israeli citizens stranded in Dubai.
The incident on the FlyDubai flight led to a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE government has launched an investigation into the incident, which is being closely monitored by Israeli authorities. Israeli Foreign Minister has been in touch with his UAE counterpart to discuss the developments and their impact on bilateral relations.
FlyDubai announced on Thursday that it would temporarily suspend its flights to and from Israel, pending the outcome of the investigation into the incident. The airline stated that the decision was made in coordination with relevant authorities. The suspension of flights has left many Israeli citizens stranded in Dubai, prompting El Al to step in with repatriation efforts.
The Israeli government has been working to secure the safe return of its citizens stranded in Dubai. The Transportation Ministry has been in talks with Israeli airlines to arrange special flights to bring back citizens. However, the process has been complicated by the need for approval from the UAE authorities, which has yet to be granted.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of flights between Israel and the UAE. The two countries have been working to strengthen ties in recent years, with the UAE becoming a key destination for Israeli tourists and business travelers. However, the incident has highlighted the challenges and risks involved in travel between the two countries.
The UAE government has praised the bravery of the FlyDubai pilot who diverted the plane to avoid a potentially catastrophic situation. The incident has also raised questions about the security protocols in place for flights between Israel and the UAE. An investigation by the UAE authorities is ongoing, with Israeli officials closely monitoring the developments.
Key points
- El Al cancels flights to repatriate Israeli citizens from Dubai due to FlyDubai's suspension of flights.
- The incident on the FlyDubai flight has strained relations between Israel and the UAE.
- The Israeli government is working to secure the safe return of its citizens stranded in Dubai.
