Israeli airlines are set to launch repatriation flights to Dubai to bring back Israeli nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates following the suspension of flydubai services to Israel. This development comes in the wake of an emergency incident involving a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where the copilot allegedly attacked the pilot, resulting in an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Authorities in the UAE are currently investigating the situation.
To facilitate the return of Israeli citizens, El Al, Arkia, and Israir will operate special flights from Tel Aviv to Dubai, returning with passengers who had planned to travel back with flydubai or through Emirates connections. The Israeli government has pledged to compensate these airlines for the outbound flights, which will not carry passengers.
El Al is scheduled to conduct two flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Friday, while Arkia will operate one flight, and Israir is preparing additional services. Ticket prices have been set at $249 for El Al, $279 for Arkia, and $299 for Israir, with airlines being advised to keep fares reasonable.
Additionally, Israel’s Transportation Ministry has requested Etihad Airways to provide extra flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv to aid in the repatriation effort. For those who cannot return through Dubai, alternative routes are being offered through European cities and nearby hubs like Athens and Larnaca. However, some passengers may need to arrange their onward travel to Israel independently.