July 16, 2022
1 min read

Israel hails Saudi decision to open airspace to ‘all carriers’

Israeli airlines had been banned by Saudi Arabia from flying over the kingdom’s airspace, making flights between Israel and Asia longer and costlier.

Israeli officials lauded on Friday Saudi Arabia’s decision to open its airspace to “all carriers,” including those from Israel, as a sign of the budding normalization process between the two countries.

Just ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit on Friday, the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation tweeted that the kingdom has decided to open its airspace “to all carriers that meet the authority’s requirements for overflying,” with no specific reference to Israel.

Israeli airlines had been banned by Saudi Arabia from flying over the kingdom’s airspace, making flights between Israel and Asia longer and costlier.

“This is only the first step. We will continue working with the necessary caution, for the sake of Israel’s economy, security and the good of our citizens,” Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement released by his office, voicing his appreciation for the Saudi decision to open airspace.

Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov thanked Saudi Arabia “for advancing a new vision of the Middle East,” tweeting that the decision will lower the price of flights to East Asia.

For Transport Minister Merav Michaeli, the decision also means “a step toward (Israeli) better and stronger relations with the countries of the Middle East … critical to Israel’s security and economy.”

Regional Cooperation Minister Issawi Frej described the move as an “exciting dream,” noting Israel’s Muslim citizens will now enjoy “cheaper, direct chartered flights to the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.”

Israel and Saudi Arabia have had no diplomatic relations yet, despite growing informal relations between the two erstwhile foes in recent years. (ANI/Xinhua)

ALSO READ: Biden raised Khashoggi murder with Saudi Crown Prince

Previous Story

Biden raised Khashoggi murder with Saudi Crown Prince

Next Story

Ethnic tensions rise in Pakistan after Sindhi youth murder

Latest from -Top News

India Tightens Checks on Chinese Imports

India has ramped up monitoring of Chinese imports amid growing concerns of cheap goods being redirected into the Indian market following the United States’ steep tariff hike on Chinese exports. Commerce Secretary

Economists Warn of Impending US Recession

Leading global brokerages and economists are sounding alarm bells over the likelihood of a US recession, following the Donald Trump administration’s announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs on foreign imports. JPMorgan Chase &

Trump tariffs send world markets into panic

US benchmark crude oil shed $2.70 to $64.25 a barrel after major oil producers announced they plan to increase production. Brent crude, the international standard, was down $2.63 at $67.51 a barrel
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US Lawmakers urge Biden to extend more help to India

They have also urged the Biden administration to share extra

Trump Disputes Links to Epstein Amid Court Document Release

He was found dead in his jail cell while awaiting