The first Israeli flight designated to repatriate citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates departed Dubai late Friday following the suspension of Flydubai services between the two countries.

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said an Arkia flight took off from Dubai carrying Israeli passengers who remained stranded in the UAE after “an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai aircraft.”

KAN said Israeli security authorities authorized Israeli airlines to operate repatriation flights from Dubai on Thursday, without specifying how many passengers were affected.

During the initial phase, passengers will not be allowed to place luggage in the aircraft hold because a dedicated security system is not yet available, said the broadcaster.

It quoted a source familiar with air traffic between Israel and the UAE who said Emirati authorities are in contact with the Israeli side “in an effort to prevent the incident from developing into a broader crisis that could lead to a prolonged suspension of flights.”

Emirati carrier Flydubai stressed Friday the importance of allowing an official investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident Wednesday.

Earlier Friday, Israeli airline El Al said it canceled planned flights to evacuate Israelis from Dubai after the UAE withdrew landing permission previously granted to Israeli carriers.

Flight FZ1073 was involved in an incident inside the cockpit, while conflicting accounts have circulated about what happened and the motive. An official investigation is underway.

Flydubai temporarily suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv after the incident, saying the safety and well-being of passengers, crew and operations remained its top priority.

The airline said the temporary suspension will allow authorities to continue the investigation and determine the full circumstances of the incident. (AA)

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