Israeli airlines may stop flying to Dubai due to security disagreements

Security disagreements between Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Dubai security authorities might prompt Israeli airlines to stop flying to Dubai starting this Tuesday.

The disagreement comes over security arrangements in place at Dubai International Airport. The Shin Bet has said it is unable to provide Israeli airlines with the necessary security there due to those disagreements.

Confirming the news, Shin Bet said that, “Over the past few months, security disputes have been revealed between the competent bodies in Dubai and the Israeli aviation security system in a way that does not allow for the responsible enactment of security for Israeli aviation.”

However, it added, efforts are still ongoing to find mutual ground to resolve the dispute.

“At the same time, if the flights of Israeli companies are stopped on this route, the possibility of transferring Israeli flights to Abu Dhabi is being examined,” the security agency said. “It should be emphasized that the disputes are [regarding] a security basis that is contrary to the standards used at the airport in Dubai, and do not come from a political or regional basis at all.”

El Al first launched its Israel-UAE route in August 2020, following the signing of the Abraham Accords. Israeli airlines Israir and Arkia have also launched regular flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai.