Flydubai Suspends Tel Aviv Flights After Stabbing, El Al Launches Repatriation Flights
Flydubai halted all Dubai-Tel Aviv services after a pilot-perpetrated stabbing, prompting El Al to launch emergency repatriation flights.
Flydubai suspended all Dubai-Tel Aviv flights with immediate effect on Wednesday night following a stabbing incident aboard flight FZ-1073 on the morning of September 30. The suspension removed up to 1,840 daily seats, as the airline had been operating up to 10 flights per day to Tel Aviv.
El Al launches emergency repatriation flights under strict baggage limits
With Israeli government approval, El Al began operating special repatriation flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv. These rescue flights are being sold at a flat rate of $249. Security officials cleared the flights on the condition that passengers bring only hand luggage. Nothing will be loaded into the aircraft's cargo holds.
El Al stated: In accordance with security directives, passengers on the rescue flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv will not be permitted to check luggage for the aircraft’s hold or bring carry-on trolley bags into the cabin at this time. The airline is targeting passengers already in Dubai or en route. The restriction stems from the lack of an El Al security presence in Dubai.
Broader context: Dubai’s role as transit hub and ongoing security tensions
Dubai has become a key transit point for Israelis traveling abroad due to scarce international flight options from Tel Aviv. Many use it as a stop for onward flights to destinations like Thailand. However, UAE authorities have resisted arrangements that allow El Al to station its own security operatives in airports, a standard practice for the airline in every other market it serves. In 2022, Israel threatened to pull all flights from Dubai over a disagreement about the extent of El Al’s security officers’ authority.
While Flydubai's suspension creates rebooking challenges and higher costs for stranded travelers, Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi is still operating flights to Tel Aviv. Emirates has not served Tel Aviv since the October 7 attacks. El Al's internal security department provides cover for all other Israeli international airlines at an estimated annual cost of around $311 per passenger.
The situation adds logistical and financial strain during urgent returns, with limited baggage rules potentially forcing passengers to abandon belongings. El Al's repatriation flights will continue until normal operations resume or alternatives are secured.
