FlyDubai aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport. Photo: Ido Vechtel Back to the Skies: FlyDubai Resumes Flights to Ben Gurion – Three Years Since the Historic Emirates Landing
This week, on June 23, 2022, a historic landing at Ben Gurion Airport was registered: Emirates Flight EK931 from Dubai was the Airline's first in Israel and launched the direct route between Tel Aviv and Dubai as part of the Abraham Accords.
Three years later, Emirates has not yet resumed its flights to Israel since they were suspended on October 7, 2023.
In contrast, yesterday (June 26, 2025), the sister company, FlyDubai, resumed its operations to Ben Gurion, becoming the first foreign airline to return to Israel after the cease-fire. This is a significant move, symbolizing the return of aerial and regional trust.
FlyDubai returned to operations with two direct flights in the Tel Aviv–Dubai route, and is expected to gradually increase the frequency.
Starting this Sunday (June 29), four flights per day will be operated, and on July 2, the company will return to a full schedule of eight daily flights.
Broad Significance of the Return
Like Emirates' historic flight in 2022, FlyDubai's return signifies progress toward stability, recovery, and regional cooperation – both in aviation and on economic and diplomatic levels. Direct flights strengthen ties between the countries, enabling renewed freedom of movement for entrepreneurs, companies, and tourists.
What's Expected in the Coming Days:
From Sunday, June 29, the company will operate four daily flights:
Flight FZ1808: Departing Tel Aviv at 00:50, arriving in Dubai at 05:10.
Flight FZ1636: Departing Tel Aviv at 12:40 - arriving in Dubai at 16:55.
Additionally, as planned, on July 1 the company will expand its operations to seven daily flights, and by July 2 will return to a full schedule of eight daily flights.
The historic landing of Emirates, and the current return of FlyDubai, are two milestones highlighting the continued relationship between Israel and the United Arab Emirates—even in complex times.
Photo: Sivan Farge