El Al Cancels Two Dubai Repatriation Flights

El Al canceled two repatriation flights scheduled to bring passengers from Dubai to Israel on Friday, October 2, after the airline said Israeli authorities informed it that landing approval had been withdrawn. The cancellations came hours after Israel’s Transportation Ministry said flights had been agreed for Friday, while warning that security preparations and coordination could delay departures. The ministry’s announcement and El Al’s notice describe different stages of the arrangements. El Al said it could not operate the two flights without the required permission. The airline said other flights it had scheduled for the following week remained on its timetable, but those seats were booked. It said it was prepared to operate once approval was received. Permission was not reported as uniform across Israeli carriers. Arkia said it had received the required approvals to operate from Dubai, and Israel’s airport listings showed flights by Arkia and Israir scheduled for late Friday and early Saturday. Israir was also reported to have approval, though it was awaiting confirmation before opening a flight for sale.