Flag carrier of Israel; long-running international and cargo operator
Tui has seen a sharp drop in pre-tax profits in its third quarter as fuel costs rise amid the Middle East conflict. The group reports weaker bookings and higher costs, but notes some signs of recovery in demand and continued price pressure.
Ben Gurion Airport remains disrupted as staffing shortages and a wildcat strike have delayed check-in, baggage handling, and flights. Officials and unions clash over causes, while authorities pledge increased staffing for the Jewish holidays amid ongoing investigations and political fallout.
Israeli and international carriers are expanding routes and resuming services amid ongoing conflict-related volatility. Delta and United are returning to Ben Gurion, Israir is launching Tel Aviv-New York, and Israeli airlines are increasing capacity, while fares remain high in the near term. A direct Manila route is planned, and fares to the US show volatility through the fall travel season.
US carriers are returning to Ben Gurion, expanding seats as demand climbs for the Jewish New Year and holidays. Despite new capacity, fares remain high through autumn, with relief not expected until November as demand shifts post-election.
Israel’s prime minister faces defamation lawsuits as Haaretz and other outlets are accused of publishing false reports about warnings to Netanyahu before the October 7, 2023 attacks. The stories persist as other outlets report related warnings from Egypt and the UAE, while Netanyahu denies having been warned.
The Flydubai FZ1073 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has diverted to Tabuk after a midair altercation in the cockpit. UAE authorities are coordinating with Saudi and Emirati agencies to determine motives, possible terrorism links, and any prior planning. The captain, Smit Machchhar, is recovering, and investigations are under way across multiple jurisdictions.
The Flydubai incident has the UAE probing a cockpit attack in which a co-pilot, identified by reports as an Omani national, attacked the captain with an emergency axe and attempted to crash the plane toward Israel. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker, and the flight landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Israel and regional authorities are reviewing cockpit-crew vetting and security procedures.
Israeli carriers have cancelled flights to Dubai after UAE authorities revoked landing permissions linked to the flydubai incident. Repatriation efforts have been disrupted as security discussions stall, leaving thousands of Israelis stranded and forcing them to seek alternative routes via Abu Dhabi or Europe.