Following reports that Israeli air carriers are preparing rescue operations in the wake of flydubai’s decision to suspend all flights to Israel for six days, El Al announced on Thursday that it is organizing a dedicated repatriation mechanism to bring stranded Israelis home. The mass cancellations by the Emirati carrier follow the severe security breach aboard Flight FZ1073, during which a violent struggle erupted in the cockpit, forcing an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
2+All flydubai operations along the Israel route remain frozen pending the conclusion of the multinational security inquiry. Investigators are reviewing the full circumstances of the attack, the identity, vetting, and nationality of the Omani first officer, as well as contractual frameworks and regulatory restrictions governing the carrier’s permits to fly into Israeli airspace.
With flydubai flights halted, thousands of Israelis currently in Dubai face travel disruptions and are seeking alternative routes home. In response, El Al is organizing special relief flights, with the operation contingent on final clearance from Israeli security agencies. Subject to these approvals, the first repatriation flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv is scheduled to depart as early as Friday.
2+Tickets for the rescue flights will be sold at a fixed price of $249 for a “Lite” fare, which includes one carry-on bag. Once regulatory and security clearances are secured, ticket sales will open directly via El Al’s website and authorized travel agencies. Officials emphasized that this flat rate was established specifically for the emergency repatriation effort and does not reflect standard commercial pricing on the route.
Travelers should also note that aircraft departing Tel Aviv for Dubai will fly empty ferry flights solely to position the planes for passenger pickup in the UAE and transport waiting Israelis back to Ben Gurion Airport.
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El Al stated that it continues to examine options to expand flight capacity based on operational feasibility and security clearances. The objective is to repatriate as many stranded Israelis as possible, with the final operational volume dictated by defense directives. El Al will update full scheduling details and booking availability continuously on its official website as the investigation into the flydubai incident proceeds.