Thousands stranded in UAE as Israeli rescue flights cancelled over landing clearance
El Al has cancelled rescue flights for Israelis stranded in Dubai after the UAE revoked landing permissions. The situation follows a security incident involving a Flydubai flight where a co-pilot attempted to hijack the aircraft.
Why it matters
The cancellation highlights escalating geopolitical tensions and security concerns affecting international travel in the Middle East.
Israel’s flagship airline El Al has cancelled planned repatriation flights from Dubai after the United Arab Emirates withdrew landing permissions for the services. The flights were intended to bring back Israeli citizens stranded in Dubai.In an advisory displayed on its digital platform, El Al said that “due to the cancellation of approval for Israeli companies to land in Dubai, as was reported by the authorities in Israel, we are forced to cancel, at this stage, our rescue flights (LY974-1, LY972) for tomorrow, Friday, October 2.”Overnight reports indicated that the UAE had revoked its clearance, although the Transportation Ministry initially said delays were expected but the flights would still operate, The Times of Israel reported.According to the announcement, scheduled services for the following week remain on the timetable, although all seats on those flights have already been booked.More than 10,000 Israelis are reportedly stranded in Dubai and other destinations after travel…
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