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Israel’s planned operation to bring stranded citizens home from Dubai was disrupted when the UAE withdrew landing authorization for Israeli airlines, forcing El Al to cancel flights LY974-1 and LY972 scheduled for Friday. The reversal followed unsuccessful talks between senior Israeli and Emirati officials and came two days after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, attempted to interfere with the controls and prompted an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia.

Details

• El Al reversal: El Al said Israeli authorities informed it that approval for Israeli companies to land in the UAE had been withdrawn. Flights scheduled for next week remained listed but were sold out. The Transportation Ministry had earlier announced that repatriation services would begin Friday, subject to additional security arrangements.
• Other carriers: Arkia chief executive Oz Barlowitz said the UAE was not authorizing his company’s planned flights, though security authorities had reassured it there was time to resolve the issue. Israir had not started ticket sales because final approval was outstanding. A temporary restriction on checked luggage was among measures discussed.
• Midair intervention: Flight FZ1073 transmitted emergency signals and entered a steep descent before diverting. Israeli officials said the co-pilot attacked Indian captain Samit Machchhar, who was seriously injured but opened the cockpit door. Passengers, crew and two off-duty Flydubai pilots intervened, helping stabilize the aircraft before its safe landing at Tabuk Airport.
• Captain’s condition: Machchhar was transferred from Saudi Arabia to a UAE hospital. India’s ambassador to Abu Dhabi said Friday that he was conscious and in good health. The suspected attacker received medical treatment and was questioned in Saudi Arabia.
• Parallel investigations: Saudi Arabia is investigating because the aircraft landed there and key events occurred in its airspace; the UAE is examining the incident because Flydubai is based there and the flight departed Dubai. Israel requested observers, but Israeli sources told Haaretz it would receive findings rather than participate formally at this stage.
• Security assessment: Israeli security sources said no evidence of an Iranian, state or terrorist organization connection had emerged, while the investigation remained at an early stage. The working assessment was that the co-pilot acted alone. Authorities were examining his background, motives, possible radicalization and whether anyone else was involved.

Background

Israel and the UAE established diplomatic relations under the 2020 Abraham Accords, expanding commercial and aviation links. Dubai became a major Gulf destination for Israeli travelers, while Emirati airlines provided an important connection between Israel and the wider region.

What’s next

Israeli and Emirati officials will continue talks over landing permissions. The immediate indicator is whether Arkia secures approval and whether El Al’s sold-out services scheduled for next week remain operational.