Israeli Airlines Barred from UAE Flights Over Security, Sparking Outrage
Israeli airlines accuse the Shin Bet of barring flights to the UAE over security risks while foreign carriers operate normally, warning of massive financial losses and unfair competition.
Israeli airlines, including El Al, Israir, and Arkia, report that the Shin Bet is withholding landing approvals in the United Arab Emirates due to security risks. Meanwhile, foreign carriers such as Flydubai and Etihad continue operating flights to the destination, sparking profound outrage among Israeli aviation executives.
A senior official at an Israeli airline told N12 that Emirati authorities remain unconcerned by the flight cancellations and are in no rush to sign security agreements with Israeli officials, as their domestic carriers continue generating substantial profits.
The current flight ban for Israeli carriers to these destinations is in effect through October, but it is widely expected to be extended into November. Israeli airlines warn that the restriction severely harms market competition and threatens to inflict tens of millions of shekels in losses.
For context, Flydubai operates ten daily flights from Tel Aviv to Dubai, while Etihad runs six daily flights to Abu Dhabi, leaving Israeli operators completely grounded. Without a shift in the Shin Bet's position, hundreds of passengers holding tickets with Israeli airlines face potential cancellations.
