Shin Bet prevents Israeli airlines from flying to the Emirates
Quick Look
Israeli media reported that the Israeli General Security Service (Shin Bet) issued directives preventing the Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia, and Israir from operating flights to the Emirates, with expectations of canceling flights scheduled until October 31, due to the Shin Bet’s demand to install CT scan machines at registration points inside the Emirates, which the Emirati authorities oppose, while Emirati companies such as Etihad Airways continue to operate direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Israel and the UAE had established diplomatic relations under the “Abraham Accords” in 2020, and the following years witnessed a growth in air traffic, travel, and trade exchange between the two sides, but the regional war and security tensions returned the aviation security file to the forefront of Israeli accounts.
Israeli media reported on Tuesday that the Shin Bet issued directives preventing the companies El Al, Arkia and Israir from operating flights to the Emirates, noting that flights scheduled until October 31 are expected to be cancelled.
According to a report published by the Hebrew website "i24 News", the essence of the dispute is the Shin Bet's demand to place CT scan devices at the check-in points of Israeli airlines inside the Emirates, a measure opposed by the Emirati authorities, according to what the channel reported from sources in the aviation sector.
The decision, if implemented, means that the restrictions do not fully include air traffic between Israel and the UAE, but rather specifically target Israeli companies, while Emirati companies continue to operate flights between the two sides.
Current flight schedules indicate that Etihad Airways will continue to operate direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, with up to six flights per day in some periods.
The development comes in light of the continuing security tension in the Middle East since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, when Washington and Tel Aviv launched massive strikes on Iranian targets, and Tehran responded with missile attacks on Israel and US bases and interests in the region.
The UAE is of particular importance in Israeli air security calculations due to its location in the Gulf and its proximity to theaters of regional tension, in addition to being a major hub for air traffic and transit flights to Asia.
Israel and the UAE established diplomatic relations under the “Abraham Accords” in 2020, and the following years witnessed a growth in air traffic, travel, and trade exchange between the two sides, but the regional war and security tensions returned the aviation security file to the forefront of Israeli accounts.
Israeli reports indicate that airlines have warned of major financial losses as a result of the continued restrictions, at a time when Israeli airlines are still facing the repercussions of security restrictions and the suspension of a number of international routes since the outbreak of the war with Iran.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Israeli airlines' scheduled flights to the UAE will be canceled until October 31 if the dispute is not resolved
Likely · Within weeks
Etihad Airways will continue to operate direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv at least in the short term
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the UAE back down from its position of rejecting the installation of CT scan machines?
- What are the expected financial losses for Israeli airlines as a result of this ban?
- Will this tension affect the Israeli-Emirati cooperation in aviation?
