Israeli Airlines Launch Air Bridge for 10,000 Stranded Citizens
Israeli carriers and Etihad Airways are repatriating 10,000 Israelis stranded in Dubai after flydubai suspended flights following an attempted terror attack by an Omani copilot.
Approximately 10,000 Israelis remain stranded in Dubai following a suspected terror attack on Wednesday. The disruption occurred when an Omani copilot attempted an attack aboard a flydubai flight bound for Ben Gurion Airport, prompting flydubai to suspend all services to Tel Aviv until at least October 14.
In coordination with the Shin Bet, Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir established an air bridge over the weekend to return passengers. Repatriation efforts have faced delays due to UAE landing permit requirements and a security mandate requiring checked luggage to be transported on separate aircraft from passengers. Israir has operated five flights on the route, including dedicated cargo flights for baggage.
Arkia has returned over 500 passengers and intends to maintain daily flights through October 12. While flydubai remains barred from the route, Etihad Airways has increased its daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv to eight to assist those seeking to return home.
