Middle East: UAE Halts Flights to Israel, Tanker Hit Near Hormuz and More US Forces Head to the Region

October 2, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates has suspended all flights to Israel after an attack in the cockpit of a flydubai flight on September 30. Separately, a supertanker was hit off Oman and the United States is sending more ships and Marines to the region as its conflict with Iran escalates.

UAE–Israel flights

• The incident: on September 30, a copilot on flydubai flight FZ1073 to Tel Aviv allegedly stabbed the captain. The flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. UAE prosecutors are examining a possible terrorist motive, Al Jazeera reports.
• The suspension: the UAE then suspended all flights to Israel. Flydubai, Emirates and Etihad are not flying the route. Flydubai alone had been running 8 to 10 Tel Aviv flights a day.
• Israeli airlines: the Times of Israel reports that Israeli carriers’ landing permits for Dubai were revoked. El Al cancelled its two rescue flights on Friday, October 2, and plans five next week. Arkia and Israir said they had approval to fly.
• End date: TBA. No date for resuming regular service has been published.

Conflict and shipping

• US deployments: Al Jazeera reports the US is sending 2,000 Marines and a further aircraft carrier group. The New Arab reports Patriot air-defence batteries are going to energy sites in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
• Tanker hit: a supertanker was struck by an unknown projectile and caught fire about 8 km off Oman. The UK’s maritime security agency confirmed a report of the incident, and the crew was reported safe. Several tankers have been hit in recent days.
• Iraq: flights between Iraq and Iran remain suspended at Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah after US sanctions on Iranian airlines took effect September 23, Al Jazeera reports.

Other airline suspensions still in place

The National listed these on September 30:

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What it means for airline travelers

• Israel via the Gulf is closed for now. Do not plan standby connections between the UAE and Tel Aviv. Rescue flights are for stranded passengers and will not have space for non-revs.
• Expect short-notice changes. Airspace restrictions in this region can change in hours. Check the airline’s own status page before leaving for the airport, and again at each connection.
• Standby risk is high. When airlines cut flights, the remaining seats go to rebooked revenue passengers. Have a confirmed-ticket backup or build in several buffer days.
• Check official advice. Read the current State Department or Government of Canada advisory for each country on your route, including transit points.
• Register your trip: use STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.
• Insurance: most policies exclude war-related losses. Check before you count on one.

Sources

• Al Jazeera — Trump deploys 2,000 Marines to Middle East, supertanker struck in Hormuz (live blog)
• Al Jazeera — UAE investigates possible ‘terrorist’ link in attack on flight to Israel
• Times of Israel — Arkia, Israir indicate UAE rescue flights are a go after El Al scraps its Friday repatriations
• AP via ABC News — In-flight attack on FlyDubai pilot puts aviation security measures under scrutiny
• Xinhua — ‘Violating’ supertanker hit in Hormuz Strait, catches fire
• The New Arab — As tankers hit in Hormuz, Trump deploys thousands of US troops
• Al Jazeera — Iran urges Iraq to lift flight ban amid US sanctions
• The National — UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi flight status