Emirates Scrubs Tel Aviv From Its Schedule – flydubai Carries On
Emirates has removed all Tel Aviv flights from its future schedules, shelving what had been a planned April 2026 return. The move underscores how fragile Israel capacity remains, even as other carriers tentatively map their way back.
What changed
Emirates launched Dubai–Tel Aviv in June 2022 and quickly ramped from daily to triple-daily by 2023 before suspending service amid the conflict. Schedules had shown a restart in 2026 with a 777-200LR—that listing has now disappeared. The carrier hasn’t indicated a revised timeline.
A quick rewind on demand
The route debuted to strong point-to-point and connecting traffic via Dubai, helped by a surge of UAE–Israel visitors post-pandemic. Emirates’ 777-300ERs with First, Business and Economy gave it a premium edge and ample belly cargo space—until geopolitics overtook network plans.
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flydubai fills the gap
Sister carrier flydubai continues to operate an expansive schedule between Dubai and Tel Aviv, peaking at up to 10 daily frequencies on 737-800/737 MAX 8/9 equipment. After winter, the plan is to settle back to around eight daily from March. For most travelers seeking a Dubai connection, flydubai remains the practical substitute.
Wider context: Israel capacity is still rebuilding
Multiple global airlines paused Israel service in late 2023 and have yet to return. Capacity to the country remains below pre-conflict levels, and episodic airspace restrictions have complicated planning. Some carriers (like American) are lining up 2026 resumptions; others have relinquished slots and remain on the sidelines.
What it means for travelers
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DXB–TLV: book flydubai for now; connections over Dubai remain broadly available.
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Premium cabins: expect narrower-body products versus Emirates’ widebody cabins until EK resumes.
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Schedules: timetables to/from Israel can change quickly—build buffer time into complex itineraries.
Bottom Line
Emirates has quietly removed Tel Aviv from its 2026 schedules, signaling no near-term return. Travelers still have robust options via flydubai’s high-frequency operation, but those waiting for Emirates’ widebody product will need to keep waiting. In a market still shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, airlines are prioritizing flexibility over firm dates.
