Israel - UAE
Saudi Arabia permits further overflights
El Al operated the first flight from Israel to Abu Dhabi. Now, more are set to follow as Saudi Arabia is opening its airspace for this route.
It was a historic flight: On Monday (August 31), a Boeing 737 from El Al performed the first flight of an Israeli passenger aircraft to the United Arab Emirates. On the way from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi, it flew over Saudi Arabia.
Now the Saudi Arabian Aviation Authority has made it possible for future flights to use its airspace. It agreed – without mentioning Israel – to the United Arab Emirates’ request to allow all flights through the Kingdom’s airspace connecting Israel and the UAE.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said that the agreement would not change attitudes towards the Palestinian cause, but that all efforts towards a just and lasting peace were appreciated.