DUBAI- One of the world’s largest international carriers, Emirates Airline (EK), has confirmed the removal of all scheduled flights to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), marking a full withdrawal from a route it once planned to restore in 2026. The decision follows a sustained drop in airline activity to Israel as geopolitical tensions continue.
Airlines worldwide began suspending Israel services in 2023, including American Airlines (AA), Turkish Airlines (TK), Virgin Atlantic (VS), Korean Air (KE), and Cathay Pacific (CX). Emirates had paused its Dubai (DXB) to Tel Aviv route during the same period, but has now taken the service off the future schedule entirely.
Emirates entered the Israeli market in June 2022 with a daily DXB to TLV rotation using a Boeing 777-300ER. Strong demand helped the carrier scale up to three daily services by 2023. Travelers benefited from access to Dubai and onward links to Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean region.
Tourism data supported the route’s early momentum. More than 300,000 Israelis visited the UAE in the two years after pandemic restrictions eased, which helped justify the Emirates’ expanding its Israel schedule through 2022 and 2023.
The plan was to restart the route in April 2026 using a Boeing 777-200LR with a two-class layout. Cirium data still reflected this until last week, when all flights disappeared from the system, flagged by SimpleFlying.
Flydubai Maintains High Frequency
Although Emirates has fully withdrawn, flydubai (FZ) continues to operate a dense Dubai-Tel Aviv schedule. The carrier began service in 2020 with two daily flights and grew the route steadily as diplomatic ties strengthened. By late 2023, it had reached eight daily flights.
Current schedules show up to ten daily rotations, the highest level since the route launched. The airline uses a mix of Boeing 737-800, 737 MAX 8, and 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Starting April 2026, operations are set to shift to only the 737-800 and 737 MAX 8.
Cirium data indicates that flydubai has scheduled 33.7 percent more flights this year compared to 2024 and more than 50 percent more than in 2023. This reflects strong point-to-point traffic and the strength of Dubai as a connecting hub.
Reduction in Israel-bound Flights
The aviation sector in Israel continues to feel the effects of security concerns and intermittent airspace closures. Flight activity is down 11.8 percent year over year. Several international carriers remain absent from the market.
American Airlines (AA) is among the few carriers planning a return. It intends to restart New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv service in March 2026 and is reviewing a potential nonstop from Los Angeles (LAX) after recent discussions with Israeli officials.
Turkish Airlines (TK) and Pegasus (PC), once among the largest operators at Ben Gurion Airport, surrendered their TLV slots earlier this year. Turkish historically held a significant market share with frequent flights from Istanbul, Antalya, and Sabiha Gokcen, sometimes reaching sixteen daily movements before the conflict.
Visitors arriving in Tel Aviv via Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) often step into a city known for its coastal energy, cultural depth, and a security landscape that requires awareness.
Tel Aviv stands as Israel’s second-largest city and operates as a major center for culture, commerce, and technology.
Founded in 1909, it evolved from modest beginnings into a metropolitan hub with more than three million residents in its wider region. Its modernist architecture earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition, and the nickname White City came from the clean lines and pale facades that shaped much of its early development.
Safety concerns in Tel Aviv differ from those in cities of similar size. Crime rates remain low, but the reality of regional instability increases the need for vigilance. Terrorist threats represent the primary risk. While the city functions normally day to day, events can escalate without warning. Local authorities maintain a strong presence and offer clear guidance for both residents and visitors.
Transport and Mobility
Drivers encounter dense traffic and a higher rate of road accidents compared to many Western cities. Insurance is essential for anyone planning to drive. Public transport, especially buses, operates reliably. Most drivers speak English and help travelers find the right route.
