UAE Airlines Resume Flights to Israel Amid Regional Turmoil
Two airlines from the United Arab Emirates are among the first international carriers to restart flights to Israel since the onset of the conflict with Iran on February 28. This move highlights the strengthening ties forged by the Abraham Accords between the nations.
Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, along with the budget airline flydubai, are set to resume services to Tel Aviv, marking their early return ahead of major Western airlines that have yet to announce similar plans.
Mark Feldman, CEO of Zeon Tours in Jerusalem, noted, “Having flydubai and Etihad being among the few foreign airlines returning to Tel Aviv shows their confidence in the Israeli market and the strong demand from the public for their services.”
With limited international flights to Israel and many Israeli airlines increasing prices, these two Emirati carriers are promoting popular connecting routes to and from destinations in the Far East and the United States for travelers heading to Israel.
The UAE was the first country to sign the Abraham Accords in 2020, which aimed at normalizing relations with Israel.
Since the conflict began, security cooperation between Israel and the UAE has deepened, especially as both nations faced missile and drone threats from Iran, leading to temporary airport closures.
Yoni Waksman, vice chairman of Ophir Tours in Israel, explained, “The Emirates have been a key destination for Israelis even before the war, and there’s been significant demand due to a mix of tourism and accessibility. We expect the return of these routes to meet pent-up demand quickly, particularly for those that have proven to be popular over the years.”
Shirley Cohen Orkabi, vice president of Eshet Tours, remarked that Emirates’ gradual return is particularly significant for the Israeli market, serving as a critical route for travelers, both as a destination and as a gateway to Asia, Africa, and Australia. She emphasized that the loyalty of Emirati airlines to Tel Aviv stands out at a time when many other foreign airlines have suspended flights or postponed them.
Interestingly, both airlines had continued operations to Israel throughout a two-year conflict with Hamas, which escalated with Israel’s invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Cohen noted, “The affection for Emirates in Israel is palpable, with this summer season, usually a slow period, showing unexpected demand.”
While three major U.S. airlines have postponed their flights to Tel Aviv until September, effectively canceling their summer schedules, other foreign carriers currently operating flights include Bluebird Airlines, Tus Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, SmartWings, Hainan Airlines, Red Wings, Georgian Airlines, and FlyOne.
