Israeli airlines have appealed to Shin Bet chief David Zini, asking him to allow them to resume flights to Dubai under the format that was in place before October 7.
The urgent request comes amid significant financial losses caused by the suspension of the routes, Channel 13 News reports.
The airlines asked Zini to “resolve the crisis or allow flights to operate as they did before October 8,” emphasizing that “the financial damage to passengers and to us is enormous.”
The companies explained that flights to the United Arab Emirates are especially important during the holiday season and winter months, when Dubai is a popular destination for Israeli travelers.
The impact is also being felt by passengers. According to the report, 16 daily flights operated by Flydubai and Etihad depart from Ben Gurion Airport, and the flights are fully booked.
With fewer travel options available to Israelis, ticket prices have also surged, with some fares reportedly exceeding $1,000.
The crisis began after security procedures for Israeli flights departing from the United Arab Emirates were tightened. According to the report, the UAE has refused to accept one of the new security demands made by the Shin Bet, leading to the suspension of flights operated by Israeli airlines.
The airlines are now asking Zini to intervene and find a solution that will allow them to resume the popular route, or at least return to the security arrangements that were in place before the war began.
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One Response
Security is not a negotiable item. Financial damage, even enormous financial damage, cannot override the fundamental need to protect lives. The Shin Bet’s demands are based on a changed reality. To ask to revert to pre-October 8 security arrangements is to ignore the lessons that date taught us.
This is not a matter of profit over people, but of people over profit. The safety of Israeli travelers must be the first priority, even if it means higher ticket prices or fewer direct flights. The UAE’s refusal to accept new security demands is their decision, but Israel cannot compromise on the safety of its citizens.