UAE airlines the first to resume flights to Israel – Business News
Two Emirati carriers are amongst the first worldwide airlines to resume flying to Israel since the warfare in opposition to Iran started on Feb. 28, highlighting the close cooperation and burgeoning ties between the two nations solid by the landmark Abraham Accords.
The resumption of service by Abu Dhabi’s flag service, Etihad, and low-cost FlyDubai to Tel Aviv places them forward of all main European and American airlines, which haven’t but resumed flights to Israel.
“The fact that FlyDubai and Etihad have returned to Tel Aviv as one of the first and few foreign carriers to come back is a testament to their belief in Israel’s economy, and the strong appeal both airlines hold with the Israeli public,” Mark Feldman, CEO of Jerusalem’s Ziontours, informed JNS on Monday.
With restricted service to and from Israel on worldwide carriers and fares on the 4 Israeli carriers high due to demand, the two Emirati airlines are advertising their widespread connecting flights to and from the Far East and the United States for vacationers to and from Israel.
Etihad Airways and FlyDubai have resumed flights to Israel. Getty Images
The United Arab Emirates was the first signatory of the landmark 2020 Abraham Accords, which noticed 4 Arab nations make peace with Israel.
The close security cooperation between the two nations has solely grown since the warfare started, when the two nations got here below Iranian missile and drone attacok, forcing the momentary closure of each nations’ airports.
“The Emirates were one of the leading destinations among Israelis even before the war, with strong demand that relied on a combination of tourism business and accessibility,” stated Yoni Waksman, deputy chairman of Israel’s Ophir Tours. “The return of the routes is expected to quickly restore pent-up demand, especially for a route that has already proven its durability and attractiveness over time.”
“The gradual return of airlines from the Emirates is significant news for the Israeli market, because it is one of the most important air routes for passengers from Israel—both as a destination in itself and a central gateway for continuing to Asia, Africa and Australia,” stated Shirley Cohen Orkaby, vice president of Israel’s Eshet Tours.
She informed JNS that the loyalty of the Emirati carriers in servicing Tel Aviv has been “particularly strong” at a time when many different overseas carriers have repeatedly canceled or pushed back flights to the summer time or fall. Both carriers have been notably amongst the sole worldwide airlines that flew to Israel all through the two-year warfare with Hamas in Gaza, triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of southern Israel.
“We see how much the Emirates are loved in Israel, and the summer season, which is usually not a high season for the Emirates, is recording good demand this year,” she stated.
Travelers seen in Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport following the announcement of the momentary cease-fire settlement for the warfare in Iran on April 9, 2026. Anadolu by way of Getty Images
Amid the persevering with regional instability, all three U.S. legacy carriers have pushed back service to Tel Aviv till September, successfully canceling summer time journey to Israel.
Among the different overseas carriers presently flying to Tel Aviv are the Israeli-owned Greek airline Bluebird Airways, Cypriot Tus Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Czech Smartwings, China-based Hainan Airlines, Russian service Red Wings, Georgian Airlines and Moldovan airline FlyOne.
