UAE Withdraws Landing Approval, El Al Cancels Dubai Rescue Flights

DUBAI, Oct 2 : Israel's flag carrier El Al has cancelled planned rescue flights from Dubai after Israeli airlines were informed that they no longer had approval to land in the United Arab Emirates.

El Al said Friday that its repatriation flights scheduled for October 2 had been cancelled following the withdrawal of landing approval for Israeli carriers. The airline said it remained ready to operate special charter flights to Dubai and bring stranded Israeli citizens home once the necessary official authorization was restored.

Israeli media reported that the landing permits were withdrawn at the last minute following overnight discussions between Israeli and Emirati officials. The UAE has not publicly explained why the authorization was withdrawn.

Israel's Transportation Ministry had earlier said that repatriation flights by Israeli airlines would begin on Friday, although delays were expected because of security coordination and other preparations.

El Al said flights planned for Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday remained on its schedule, but were already fully booked. The airline said it would proceed with the rescue operation once official approval to land in Dubai was received.

The disruption follows the suspension of flydubai flights between Dubai and Israel after a serious incident aboard Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The Boeing 737 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an altercation between the captain and co-pilot in the cockpit. Passengers and crew intervened, and the aircraft landed safely. The incident remains under investigation, with authorities examining the circumstances and motive.

The suspension has left thousands of Israeli travellers stranded in Dubai and other locations, prompting Israeli authorities to arrange special repatriation flights. Israeli media reports have put the number of affected Israelis at around 10,000, including people in Dubai and passengers stranded at other destinations.

The latest development adds another complication to air travel between Israel and the UAE, which has already been disrupted by the wider regional conflict. Israel and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords.