Despite flydubai’s suspension and Emirates’ codeshare halt, travellers still have direct options between the UAE and Israel, The National reports. Etihad Airways is running six daily round-trips between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, while Israeli carriers El Al and Arkia have launched limited “rescue” flights from Dubai, with plans to restore scheduled services by month-end. Low-cost carrier Israir aims to resume Dubai operations on 18 November. The reshuffled capacity means the centre of gravity has temporarily shifted from Dubai International to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. Travel-management companies say corporate itineraries are now funnelling through Etihad’s hub, increasing demand for Abu Dhabi hotels and chauffeur services. Average one-way business-class fares AUH-TLV have risen 27 % week-on-week to AED 5,850, according to ForwardKeys. For compliance teams, the dynamic underscores the need to track each carrier’s safety posture. Israeli airlines are currently operating under GCAA-issued security directives that include onboard air-marshals and modified cockpit-door procedures. Multinational firms with regional HQs in both countries are adopting hybrid routing strategies—using Etihad for time-sensitive trips and Jordanian or Cypriot connections for non-critical travel—to balance cost and risk. They are also revisiting emergency-evacuation plans in case further escalations prompt wider airspace closures. Employees should be reminded that UAE immigration still offers visa-on-arrival for Israeli nationals, but carriers may deny boarding if onward segments to Tel Aviv are cancelled at short notice.
Source: The National
