Travellers Left in Dubai After UAE Cancels Israeli Carriers' Landing Rights

Repatriation flights bringing Israelis stranded in the United Arab Emirates home have been called off after the UAE withdrew landing privileges from three Israeli airlines. The cancellation came despite an announcement by Israel's transportation minister that such flights would continue until Thursday.

Key facts

• Three Israeli airlines were told their landing privileges in the UAE had been taken away
• Airline Arkia confirmed on Wednesday that its repatriation flights were cancelled by the Emirates
• The flights were intended to return Israelis stranded in the UAE after a flydubai attempted hijacking incident
• Israel's Transportation Minister, Miri Regev, said on Tuesday that repatriation flights from the Emirates would continue until Thursday

What happened?

Three Israeli airlines were informed that their landing privileges in the UAE had been revoked. Arkia said on Wednesday that the Emirates had also cancelled its repatriation flights, which were set up to bring Israelis back from the United Arab Emirates.

The Israelis affected were left stranded in the UAE following a flydubai attempted hijacking incident. The source does not state how many travellers were waiting to return.

What did Israeli officials say?

Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced on Tuesday that repatriation flights from the Emirates would continue until Thursday. The withdrawal of landing privileges means those flights did not go ahead as planned, overriding the minister's statement.

What this means for travellers

Israelis currently in the United Arab Emirates should be aware that repatriation flights organised by Israeli carriers have been cancelled, and that the plan announced on Tuesday to run them until Thursday is no longer in place.

The source does not say when or whether the landing privileges will be restored, or what alternative arrangements are available for travellers still in the UAE.

What happens next?

No further dates or decisions have been announced. Any return of Israeli airline flights to the UAE, or replacement arrangements for stranded travellers, remains unconfirmed.