Israel’s three airlines are weighing direct flights to Abu Dhabi as a substitute for grounded Dubai service, a shift that would reshape Gulf travel for Israeli passengers, N12 reported Sunday.
The move follows another postponement by flydubai of its return to Israel, which had been planned for next week. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways already operates several flights a day to Israel, and the Israeli carriers – El Al, Arkia and Israir – want to join the route and offer their own competition, drawn in part by the emirate’s many onward connections, according to the report. The Transportation Ministry supports the move, and a launch is expected once security approvals are received.
Israeli airlines were barred from flying to the United Arab Emirates for months over security concerns, even as Emirati carriers kept up regular service to Israel. Since the attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv in late September, Israel has demanded tighter security at Dubai’s airport, including additional baggage-screening machines and permission for Shin Bet personnel to operate on the ground. The UAE objected to some of the demands, and a dispute over handing over the full investigation of the incident has kept flydubai’s return on hold, the report said.
Israir chief: Abu Dhabi is no substitute for Dubai
The plan is drawing fire inside the industry. Israir CEO Uri Sirkis told PassportNews Saturday that opening Abu Dhabi while Dubai flights remain exclusive to flydubai would be “a strategic mistake.” “The Emirati market is one market, and we expect full equality and fair competition,” Sirkis said, adding that Israir is ready to fly to both destinations. Industry figures argue Abu Dhabi is not a commercial substitute for Dubai, an international hub for tourism, trade and onward flights.
The two reports conflict on where the approvals stand: PassportNews said Israeli security authorities gave the airlines in-principle permission on Saturday, while N12 reported a launch depends on approvals still to come. No start date, fares or schedules have been announced.
JBizNews Desk | Tel Aviv
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