Arkia Extends Suspension of Dubai Flights: What Passengers Need to Know
At the peak of the summer and holiday season, Israeli airline Arkia announced it will not resume flights to Dubai, which were suspended by Shin Bet orders, until at least September 23.
Since the outbreak of Operation "Lion's Roar," air travel to and from Israel has faced significant disruptions that continue to this day. Over the past few months, the security situation has fluctuated between the renewal of the campaign against Iran and efforts to secure a ceasefire.
The UAE has been among the countries most affected by these developments, having been forced to close its airspace multiple times—a route that serves as a vital corridor for Israelis traveling to the East.
Following a security assessment, the Shin Bet instructed Israeli airlines—including Arkia, Israir, and El Al—to halt operations between Dubai and Tel Aviv. While the directive was initially set to expire on September 1, the airline Arkia announced yesterday (Monday) that it will not resume the route until at least September 23.
Since the war began on February 28, 2026, a top-level travel warning has been in effect for conflict zones, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Gulf states in general. Passengers are strongly advised to reconsider any non-essential travel to the region.
This decision has sparked significant criticism and frustration within the aviation industry. The situation is particularly complex as Emirati carriers Etihad and Flydubai continue to operate daily flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from Ben Gurion Airport. Sources familiar with the matter described the move as unprecedented, noting that it further exacerbates the operational and economic uncertainty already weighing on Israeli airlines.
