Israeli airline El Al cancels Dubai repatriation flights after UAE pulls landing approval
Israeli airline El Al cancels rescue flights to Dubai after the UAE revokes landing permissions for Israeli carriers following failed high-level talks.
In a sudden blow to stranded citizens, Israel’s national carrier, El Al, has announced the cancellation of critical repatriation flights intended to bring people home from Dubai. The decision follows a swift move by the United Arab Emirates to revoke landing permissions for Israeli airlines.
Diplomatic Deadlock Halts Rescue Missions
The airline released an urgent advisory on its digital platform, confirming that the scheduled rescue flights—specifically LY974-1 and LY972—set for Friday, October 2, could not proceed. The company noted that the cancellation was a direct result of the UAE rescinding approval for Israeli companies to land in its territory.
While the UAE’s Transportation Ministry initially suggested that only delays were expected, reports from The Times of Israel indicate a much more definitive shift. According to Channel 12, the sudden revocation occurred after intense, high-level negotiations between Israeli and Emirati officials failed to reach a final agreement regarding the authorization of Israeli aircraft landing in the UAE.
While El Al noted that scheduled services for the following week remain on the timetable, those flights are already fully booked, leaving many travelers in a state of uncertainty.
Terror Attempt on FlyDubai Flight Recalled
The aviation disruption comes in the shadow of a terrifying security crisis that occurred on September 30 involving a FlyDubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident, which many fear has contributed to the heightened tension, involved a violent attempt to crash the aircraft.
During the flight, an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the commander in what appeared to be a terror-driven suicide mission. The struggle caused the plane to plummet approximately 16,000 feet within just two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.
Heroism in the Cockpit
Despite sustaining severe injuries, the aircraft's captain, Smit Machchhar, fought back against the assailant. The harrowing details of the struggle were highlighted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
- The Attack: The co-pilot reportedly stood over the controls, using his feet to attempt to destroy the aircraft's steering mechanisms.
- The Struggle: Crew members and passengers had to breach the cockpit to assist the captain. They reportedly used earphone cords and plastic cuffs to restrain the attacker.
- The Intent: Netanyahu described the assailant as suicidal, stating the attacker was shouting, "kill me, kill me," while attempting to bring the plane down.
In a remarkable display of teamwork, two non-duty aviators on board were able to take control of the aircraft after the captain managed to unlatch the cockpit door. The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where all 180 passengers and crew disembarked safely without further injury.
While the identity of the co-pilot has not been officially released by all parties, an Omani official confirmed to CBS News that the assailant holds Omani citizenship, though Muscat has yet to make a formal public acknowledgement of his status.