FlyDubai, a low-cost carrier wholly owned by the Dubai government, has emerged as a significant airline for Israeli travelers since it launched commercial flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv in 2020. The service began in the wake of the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-brokered agreement that normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and opened new avenues for economic and political engagement.
The airline, which first operated in 2009 under the Investment Corporation of Dubai, started with two daily flights connecting Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv. These flights offered Israeli passengers a direct Gulf route, steering away from the traditional European connections. Since then, FlyDubai has expanded its operations, increasing the number of flights to as many as 10 per day.
All flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv traverse Saudi Arabian airspace, an arrangement made possible after Riyadh allowed Israeli aircraft to cross its skies for the first time in August 2020. At that time, an El Al flight carrying U.S. and Israeli officials flew across Saudi territory en route to Abu Dhabi, marking a historic precedent. Shortly afterward, Saudi Arabia permitted overflights of its airspace for flights to and from the UAE, though it maintains no diplomatic relations with Israel.
FlyDubai’s flights typically operate out of Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, known for its stringent security measures, which can extend passenger processing times by approximately an hour. The airline’s growth on this route reflects broader regional shifts following the Abraham Accords, highlighting increased travel and business ties between the UAE and Israel.
However, the route has faced occasional challenges. On a recent flight, a midair dispute between pilots resulted in an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, prompting an ongoing investigation by Israeli authorities.
In addition to FlyDubai, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi’s national carrier, has also expanded its service to Tel Aviv. This summer, Etihad added a sixth daily flight to the route, making it its busiest weekly destination worldwide, underscoring growing demand for travel between the two countries.
The establishment and expansion of these air connections illustrate a significant evolution in Gulf-Israeli relations, facilitating smoother travel and bolstering economic and diplomatic interactions across the region.