Israeli Airlines Could Stop Flying to Dubai Over Security Disagreement

Israeli airlines could stop flying to Dubai, beginning this week, over a disagreement over airport security arrangements. The Prime Minister’s Office, the Foreign and Transportation ministries and the Shin Bet security service are in talks with the government of the United Arab Emirates to allow Israel to provide the appropriate security for the airlines, according to Israeli news outlets.

The Shin Bet is considering rerouting flights to the UAE to Abu Dhabi, which are not affected by the disagreement, according to the reports. The Shin Bet also noted that the disputes regarding security for airlines in Dubai “are solely on a security basis relating to the standards used at the airport in Dubai, and are not tied to regional diplomatic relations.”

El AL, Israir and Arkia all have established regular flights to Dubai since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020.