First Israeli Repatriation Flight Lands In Tel Aviv After Flydubai Attack

The first flight carrying Israelis back home from the United Arab Emirates after flights were suspended following the flydubai cockpit attack landed in Tel Aviv early Saturday, according to Israel’s airport authority.

The Arkia-operated repatriation flight arrived at Ben Gurion Airport from Dubai shortly after 1:00 am local time (2200 GMT Friday), according to the airport’s online arrivals information.

The flight came days after a dramatic incident aboard a flydubai service from Dubai to Tel Aviv that officials said was narrowly averted from becoming a major disaster.

Indian Captain Foils Alleged Cockpit Attack

During Wednesday’s incident, the Indian captain of the flydubai aircraft was reportedly assaulted by his co-pilot. The captain managed to regain access to the cockpit, allowing passengers and crew members to restrain the attacker.

The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Authorities in the UAE are investigating the incident and have yet to establish the motive of the alleged attacker. Israeli and US leaders have suggested possible links to Islamist extremism or Iran, though the investigation remains ongoing.

First Israeli Flight To Leave UAE Since Suspension

The Arkia flight departed Dubai on Friday, marking the first Israeli-operated flight to leave the UAE since flydubai suspended its Israel service.

El Al had also cancelled scheduled flights that were intended to bring stranded Israelis back home following the disruption.

The arrival of the Arkia flight in Tel Aviv marks the resumption of limited repatriation efforts for Israelis stranded in the UAE after the suspension of regular air services.