Israeli airline Arkia resumes Dubai-Tel Aviv flights after Flydubai incident

Israeli carrier Arkia resumed flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv on Friday evening, with flight IZ604 departing Dubai International Airport for Tel Aviv. This marks the first such flight since the recent Flydubai incident that ended with an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

According to Dubai Airports' website, the low-cost Arkia flight left Dubai for Tel Aviv at a time when Flydubai has temporarily suspended its services to Israel, pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident involving one of its aircraft.

Flydubai flight FZ1073 had departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on September 30, but was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia following an onboard incident.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, stated that all 172 passengers and crew were unharmed, adding that the pilot returned to the UAE after receiving the necessary medical clearance.

Al Ghaith confirmed that an official investigation into the incident is ongoing, saying: "We are currently conducting a comprehensive official investigation regarding flight FZ1073."

Flydubai announced, at the request of relevant authorities, the temporary suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv until further notice, while affirming that its teams continue to support affected travelers and assist them in reaching their final destinations.

Arkia's new flight comes as details of the Flydubai incident remain under official investigation, with the airline emphasizing the importance of allowing the inquiry to determine the facts.