El Al cancelled its first planned rescue flights from Dubai on Friday, October 2, after landing permission for Israeli airlines was withdrawn, delaying efforts to bring stranded Israelis home following the suspension of regular flydubai services between Dubai and Tel Aviv.

The cancelled services were LY974-1 and LY972. In its advisory, quoted by ANI via LatestLY, El Al said that due to the cancellation of approval for Israeli companies to land in Dubai, it was forced to cancel the rescue flights for Friday, and that it would operate substitute services as soon as permissions are restored. Aviation A2Z reports the airline continues preparations so flights can operate once approvals return.

How the cancellation unfolded

Israel’s Transportation Ministry had said flights by Israeli airlines from Dubai would begin on Friday, while warning that security preparations could delay departures. Israeli reporting cited by ANI says extended discussions between senior Israeli and Emirati officials did not produce a final landing agreement, and the cancellation followed. UAE authorities have not published a statement on the landing-permission decision in the reports cited here, so the position should be read as reported by Israeli officials and the airline, not officially confirmed by the UAE.

The disruption stems directly from the September 30 FZ1073 incident and the suspension of the regular Dubai–Tel Aviv route, which had been the normal way home for the passengers now seeking repatriation seats.

Passengers waiting in an airport departure lounge checking phones for updates
Passengers were advised to stay in contact with their airline for rebooking updates.

What stranded passengers should do

El Al said services scheduled for the following week remained on the timetable but were fully booked. Separately, The Traveler reports that an Arkia repatriation flight did operate, giving some passengers a direct route home, while others have routed via European hubs. The practical advice from Israeli officials has been consistent: stay in contact with the airline you booked with, follow official instructions, and do not travel to the airport without a confirmed booking.

If you are in Dubai waiting on a repatriation seat, our Dubai International Airport guide, hotels near DXB and layover itinerary cover the basics of an unplanned extra stay, and the visa status guide explains how to check your permitted stay while arrangements are finalised.

Airport departure board showing flight information in a busy terminal
Later repatriation services were reported fully booked, with arrangements still fluid.

Frequently asked questions

Which El Al flights were cancelled?

The rescue services LY974-1 and LY972, planned for Friday, October 2, 2026.

Why were they cancelled?

El Al said approval for Israeli airlines to land in Dubai was cancelled. The UAE has not published a statement on the decision in the reports cited, so treat the reason as reported, not officially confirmed by the UAE.

Are any repatriation flights operating?

An Arkia repatriation flight was reported to have operated. El Al said later services remained scheduled but fully booked, subject to permissions.

What should stranded passengers do?

Stay in contact with their airline, follow official instructions, and only go to the airport with a confirmed booking.