UAE faces criticism for offering flights to Israel amid Gaza genocide

While most global airlines have suspended flights to Israel during the ongoing war on Gaza, the UAE remains the only country offering flight services to Tel Aviv through FlyDubai and Etihad. This move, aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian supporters.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the continuation of flight operations between the UAE and Israel highlights their flourishing relationship, even as the Middle East region faces unprecedented turmoil.

These ties could deepen further with the possible re-election of former US President Donald Trump.

Since October 7, nearly all international airlines have ceased flights to Israel due to security concerns. Currently, the UAE is the only nation maintaining an active air route to Israel, enabling connectivity for diplomatic and economic purposes.

The suspension of flights by most global carriers stems from fears of becoming targets during Israel's military offensive. Past incidents, such as the Malaysian Airlines flight shot down over Ukraine in 2014 and Iran’s downing of a Ukrainian flight in 2020, have heightened safety concerns for commercial flights in conflict zones.

FlyDubai and Etihad have continued operating multiple daily flights to Israel.  FlyDubai alone carried out 1,800 flights to Israel, canceling only 77 since October 2023. Meanwhile, Israel’s national carrier, El Al, operates its own flights but struggles with limited access to international routes due to the suspension by other carriers.

The UAE normalised relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, facilitated by then-US President Trump. Diplomatic missions, including Israel’s embassy and consulate, remain operational in Dubai, and the Emirati government has yet to strongly condemn Israel's military offesive on Gaza.

The UAE government, when questioned about its ongoing flight operations, reiterated its support for a two-state solution and called for a ceasefire. However, security at Dubai International Airport has been tightened to prevent any untoward incidents.

Although check-ins for Tel Aviv are not advertised on the airport’s main electronic billboards, they are processed in an isolated, heavily guarded section.

Pro-Palestinian activists have condemned the UAE for enabling Israel’s access to the outside world while Gaza’s residents remain under siege.

Thousands of Palestinians, denied the ability to leave the enclave even for urgent medical care and continue to suffer horrific injuries as Israel’s military offensive intensifies.

x.com

The UAE's FlyDubai will operate 8 DAILY FLIGHTS to Tel Aviv starting Sunday.

FlyDubai also happens to be on the DFUAE boycott list

we invite palestinian activists to join us in calls of boycotting the UAE for their crimes in Sudan

their crimes in Gaza

and complicity with…

— Abu Hurairah ⵣ ✯🌺 (@martyrabuh) November 14, 2024

x.com

🚨🇦🇪🇮🇱 BREAKING: The UAE's FlyDubai will operate 8 DAILY FLIGHTS to Tel Aviv starting Sunday.

UAE on the wrong of side history . UAE betrayed Palestinians.💔💔@UAEmediaoffice @UAEEmbassyUS pic.twitter.com/qNLHTDN9Ew

— குமரி அன்சாரி (@kumariansari) November 13, 2024

x.com

UAE FAILS PALESTINE AGAIN

UAE's 🇦🇪 FLY DUBAI is going back to 8 Flights a Day to Tel Aviv while Other airlines are canceling flights pic.twitter.com/cMQLaYfKUH

— Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) November 10, 2024

x.com

Zionist regime sources state that UAE's FlyDubai plans to operate 8 daily flights to Tel Aviv starting Sunday.

MbZ, Abdullah II, Erdogan, el-Sisi, and Muḥammad VI are all enablers of genocide. pic.twitter.com/evOFi0jMGx

— Seyed Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi) November 10, 2024