The key facts

  • An Israeli delegation will visit the UAE on Sunday for talks on resuming flydubai flights to Tel Aviv
  • The flight suspension has been in effect since September 30 and has been extended until December 15
  • The UAE attorney general said the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, attempted a 'suicide attack' on Ben Gurion Airport

Talks on resuming flights

An official Israeli delegation is expected to visit the United Arab Emirates on Sunday to persuade Emirati authorities to allow the resumption of flydubai flights to Tel Aviv. Israel's Channel 12 reported this on Friday.

Duration of the suspension and its causes

According to Channel 12, the suspension of flydubai flights to Tel Aviv is in effect until December 15. In late October, the same channel reported that the suspension had been extended until November 30, although the airline itself made no announcement on the matter. The flights were temporarily halted on September 30 after an incident on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight carrying 174 Israelis: an attempt was made to seize control of the aircraft, which passengers and crew prevented. The airliner made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after changing its route; authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and the motives of the person involved.

Investigation and reaction in Israel

On October 9, UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the investigation showed that the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, had attempted to seize control of the aircraft in order to carry out a 'suicide operation against Ben Gurion Airport.' The incident sparked criticism in Israel and questions about security procedures for flights heading to the country, including demands to examine the lapses that allowed it to happen.