DUBAI— El Al Israel Airlines (LY) has cancelled its first planned rescue flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) after authorities revoked landing permission for Israeli airlines, delaying efforts to bring stranded Israelis back to Israel.
The cancellation affects flights that were scheduled to operate on Friday, October 2, as Israeli carriers faced additional security and operational coordination before beginning repatriation services.
El Al said it would resume the planned rescue flights once official approval to land in Dubai is restored.
El Al Cancels Rescue Flights From Dubai
El Al had prepared special repatriation services to transport Israelis stranded in Dubai following the suspension of regular flydubai services between Dubai and Tel Aviv.
The airline said the cancellation resulted directly from the withdrawal of permission for Israeli airlines to land in Dubai.
The airline had planned to operate two rescue services, LY974-1 and LY972, to help passengers return to Israel. El Al also said it would continue preparations so the flights could operate once the necessary approvals are granted.
The disruption came as Israeli authorities worked with their Emirati counterparts to establish a secure framework for the repatriation flights.
The Transportation Ministry said flights operated by Israeli airlines from Dubai to Israel had been agreed for Friday, but warned that security preparations could delay departures.
Passengers currently in Dubai were advised to remain in contact with the airlines through which they booked their tickets and follow official instructions and schedule updates.
Israir Receives Final Dubai Approval
While El Al cancelled its initial flights, Israir Airlines (6H) later announced that it had received final approval from Emirati authorities to operate flights from Israel to Dubai.
The airline said its services would depart during Friday, providing another option for the developing repatriation operation.
The differing status of the airlines highlighted the continuing coordination required between Israeli carriers and UAE authorities before the rescue operation could proceed.
The situation remained fluid as airlines awaited or received individual operating permissions.
More than 10,000 Israelis were estimated to be stranded in Dubai and other destinations after travel disruptions affected planned journeys through the United Arab Emirates, The Jerusalem Post reported.
The number increased pressure on airlines and authorities to restore safe air links and arrange additional capacity.
Flydubai Flight Incident Sparks Emergency Diversion
The rescue effort followed a serious incident aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
The aircraft was diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent cockpit confrontation involving the captain and co-pilot.
The aircraft transmitted emergency signals during the flight and experienced a rapid descent before landing safely in Saudi Arabia.
Passengers and crew helped subdue the co-pilot after the captain was injured, while other pilots assisted in bringing the aircraft to the ground.
The incident remains under investigation by authorities, with questions surrounding the circumstances and motive still being examined.
Passengers from the affected flight were subsequently transported to Israel on a replacement aircraft.
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