Saudi Arabia Reportedly Refused IAF Rescue Flights After Flydubai Diversion
Published
Saudi Arabia reportedly refused permission for Israeli Air Force Hercules aircraft to land in the kingdom to retrieve passengers after an Israel-bound Flydubai flight diverted to Tabuk. Israel had sought to send military aircraft, but the passengers eventually returned aboard a replacement Flydubai flight. Israeli officials also pursued permission for a white, unmarked Israeli aircraft to collect them; that option became unnecessary once all passengers agreed to board Flydubai. Saudi authorities provided passengers with food and medical care. An unnamed senior Israeli official described an openly identifiable Israeli aircraft’s arrival as politically sensitive for Saudi Arabia.
