Israeli airlines warn numerous flights to Dubai face cancellation amid security issues

In a letter to the prime minister, foreign minister and transportation minister, the heads of Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia and Israir warn they face major disruptions to their routes to Dubai amid ongoing unresolved security issues.

Disagreements between the Shin Bet and authorities in the United Arab Emirates over security arrangements in the central Gulf city’s airport are threatening flights there.

Israeli airlines say that due to the disagreements, starting in March they will be forced to bring down flights from nine a day to three a day. If flights to Dubai are forced to stop, they say, Israel must also insist on Emirati airlines halting flights from the city, as this will give those companies an unfair advantage.

Emirates aircraft, parked on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport, July 8, 2020. (KARIM SAHIB / AFP)

“Israel’s commercial and national interests must be maintained,” the CEOs write. “Tens of thousands of passengers who bought tickets may find themselves stuck.”