Repatriation flights begin after flydubai suspends Israel services
Arkia operated the first confirmed return flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv after flydubai halted its Israel routes following the FZ1073 cockpit attack. No official finding on the co-pilot's motive has been published.
A first confirmed flight for passengers stranded by flydubai's suspension of its Israel services left Dubai for Tel Aviv on 2 October. Emirati authorities gave approval and Arkia operated it.
The aircraft landed at Tel Aviv shortly after 01:00 on 3 October. Arkia is authorised for another service on Saturday and is seeking permission for more flights over the weekend. Israir said it had received final clearance from authorities in the Emirates to run flights. El Al's planned services were cancelled after landing permission was withdrawn, according to The Jerusalem Post. El Al said it would fly once approval came through.
The repatriation effort follows the FZ1073 cockpit attack. According to aviation24.be, the co-pilot had been grounded in Oman and used an axe to stab the pilot. No official investigation finding on what motivated the co-pilot has been made public.
Accounts differ on how far the returns have progressed. One describes only the initial outbound repatriation flight from Dubai and says completed return services have not been verified. Another confirms the first return leg landed in Tel Aviv early on 3 October.
Dubai → Tel-aviv
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Sources
- aviation24.beFlydubai FZ1073 updates: the co-pilot was grounded in Oman, and he used an axe to stab the pilot