First repatriation flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv takes off, returning stranded Israelis

The first repatriation flight carrying Israelis stranded in Dubai took off safely this evening and is en route to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, following this week’s attempted terror attack on a flydubai flight.

The flight is being operated by Israeli carrier Arkia.

“This is a highly complex operation – both from a security and an operational standpoint — made possible through intensive effort and close cooperation between Arkia and government authorities,” Arkia says in a statement. “The last flight to the United Arab Emirates took place on February 26, 2026, and since then, no Israeli airline aircraft has landed in Dubai.”

Arkia says it will operate a total of two passenger flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv over the weekend. Additionally, the airline will operate a separate flight with passengers’ luggage that has been left behind in Dubai.

The launch of rescue flights by Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia and Israir, set to begin earlier on Friday, was delayed due to authorization issues for landing in Dubai. Israel’s flagship airline El Al cancelled a repatriation flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv scheduled to depart this morning. El Al expects to operate its first repatriation flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Saturday night.

El Al does not operate regular commercial flights during Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest), which runs from sundown on Friday until nightfall on Saturday.