Dubai:Israeli airline El Al has canceled its planned evacuation flights from Dubai after the United Arab Emirates withdrew landing permits for Israeli carriers. The airline announced the cancellation on Friday, citing the lack of approval from UAE authorities.

According to Anadolu Agency, El Al expressed its readiness to operate charter flights to Dubai to repatriate Israelis as soon as official permissions are granted. Despite the cancellations, flights scheduled for next Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday are still on the timetable but are already fully booked.

The reason for the withdrawal of landing permits remains unclear, with no explanation provided by El Al or an official statement from Emirati authorities. Israel's Channel 7 suggested the cancellation followed a last-minute decision by the UAE.

The evacuation flights were intended to bring Israelis home after flydubai suspended services due to an incident on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During this incident, the flydubai co-pilot reportedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane, but was restrained by passengers and crew, leading to an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Emirati authorities are investigating the incident to determine the circumstances and motives, while flydubai has cautioned against speculation. Travel between Israel and the UAE has faced disruptions recently, attributed to Israeli actions against Iran. The two nations established diplomatic relations in 2020 through a US-brokered agreement.