Shin Bet expected to extend restrictions on Israeli airlines flights to UAE

Israel’s Shin Bet security agency is expected to extend restrictions preventing Israeli airlines from operating flights to the United Arab Emirates through November because of security concerns, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12.

The restrictions currently prevent El Al, Israir and Arkia from operating routes to the UAE because they have not received the required security clearances, the channel reported.

Meanwhile, UAE-based airlines Flydubai and Etihad Airways continue to operate flights between the two countries.

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According to Channel 12, the current restrictions are scheduled to remain in place through October but are now expected to be extended to cover November.

Israeli airlines have criticized the arrangement, arguing that it places them at a competitive disadvantage while Emirati carriers remain able to serve the same routes.

“The Emiratis are unaffected by the cancellation of Israeli airline flights and are in no rush to sign agreements with Israeli security agencies. Their companies are currently making a lot of money,” Channel 12 quoted a senior official at an Israeli airline as saying.

The Israeli carriers estimate that continued restrictions could result in tens of millions of shekels in losses, according to the report.

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