Emirati Airlines Break Israel’s Isolation: Why Do They Continue Their Flights?

Despite escalating violence and growing security risks stemming from Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza for over a year, most international airlines have suspended flights to Israel, citing concerns for passenger and crew safety. However, Emirati airlines have chosen a different path, maintaining flights and reinforcing their political and financial ties with the occupying state.

Contrasting Global Trends: Emirati Airlines Persist

The Associated Press reports that while airlines worldwide have canceled flights to Israel, carriers like Flydubai and Etihad Airways continue to operate. A report by journalists John Gambrell and Tia Goldenberg highlights the impact of Israel’s ongoing war on Ben Gurion Airport, where international airlines have vacated gates, leaving the terminal eerily empty. In stark contrast, check-in counters for flights to the UAE remain bustling, serving as a lifeline connecting Israel to the outside world during the war.

This continued operation benefits Emirati airlines financially while symbolizing the endurance of diplomatic and economic ties established between the UAE and Israel. These ties, initiated through the controversial normalization agreement in 2020, have proven resilient despite widespread regional anger over Israel’s actions in Gaza.

A Political and Economic Calculus

Joshua Teitelbaum, a professor at Bar-Ilan University, described the UAE’s decision as both a “political and economic” stance. Emirati airlines are among the few foreign carriers that have maintained their service to Israel, capitalizing on the withdrawal of low-cost competitors like Wizz Air and Blue Bird.

Flydubai, an affiliate of Emirates Airlines, has stood out by operating 1,800 flights to Israel since October 2023, canceling only 77 during that time. In September alone, it conducted 200 flights, demonstrating a steadfast commitment. Etihad Airways also continues flights, albeit on a smaller scale than Flydubai.

Etihad issued a statement emphasizing that Ben Gurion Airport remains operational with high-security measures, allowing for the continuation of flights as long as safety standards are met.

Financial and Diplomatic Gains

The persistence of Emirati airlines provides a financial boost and political leverage for the UAE. Flydubai, in particular, has profited from the absence of competitors and the high demand for flights. However, this relationship is also rooted in the broader political objectives of the normalization agreement.

Although Abu Dhabi has occasionally expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions in Gaza, including calls for ceasefires and prisoner exchanges, the diplomatic and economic channels between the two countries remain intact. Israeli embassies and consulates in the UAE remain open, underscoring the resilience of the relationship.

Regional Tensions and Security Challenges

Security concerns have caused global airlines, such as Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa, to suspend flights during heightened tensions. Comparisons have been drawn to incidents like the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine in 2014 and Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752 over Iran in 2020, reinforcing the risks of flying in conflict zones.

At Dubai International Airport, the situation reflects a mix of diplomacy and discretion. Flights to Tel Aviv are no longer prominently displayed on departure boards. Instead, their check-in locations are tucked away in less visible corners, guarded by heightened security measures. Passengers, often Israeli citizens carrying blue passports, wait under the watchful eyes of both uniformed and undercover security personnel.

Symbolism and Commitment

Despite regional outrage over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, experts like Dina Esfandiary of the International Crisis Group note that the UAE’s decision to maintain flights is emblematic of its strategic commitment to relations with Israel. “Regardless of what happens, and no matter how far Israel goes in violating international law, the UAE has decided this relationship is one it will keep.”