Dubai based carrier Emirates has announced plans to launch direct flights connecting the United Arab Emirates with Israel. There is scarce detail available on the planned flights, apart from that they will start in January 2021 and will operate into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. The flights are subject to government approval and have not been confirmed by Emirates. They may also need permission to cross Saudi Arabian airspace, which is usually blocked to Israeli operators.
Relations between Israel and the UAE have warmed up considerably in recent weeks. At the end of August, Israel’s El Al Airline operated the first commercial flight between the two nations. This is a massive achievement considering a UAE law, which has been in place since 1972, prevents contact with Israel.
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Now, Emirates looks set to jump on the fast-moving bandwagon. According to local media, the Dubai-based Emirates has received the Israeli government’s approval to operate flights connecting the UAE hub to Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, situated just south of Tel Aviv.
While this news is exciting for many, it hasn’t been officially confirmed by Emirates. AirlineGeeks reached out to the airline for comment and were told,
“The operation of any route requires air traffic rights and government approvals. Once those are in place, Emirates will review market demand and a range of operation factors before making any decision to start flight services. With regards to new destinations, we have nothing further to announce at this time.”
Why is this significant?
Without diving into an in-depth exploration of the political history of the two countries, the expanding communication between the two nations is a world-first. The UAE previously refused to recognize Israel as a nation. However, a shock announcement in August reversed this 50-year stance, and now the world is watching the two countries intently.
For airlines in the area, this is significant because it’s effectively a whole new market. Direct flights between the two nations have never existed, so airlines can snap up slots and prepare for brand new operations. Emirates isn’t the only one eying this potentially lucrative new market. Israel’s national carrier El Al has booked slots already as has Israir.
A work in progress
The only potential flaw in the plan is Saudi Arabia. Historically, Saudi Arabian airspace has been closed to Israeli airlines. Something which could put UAE carriers like Emirates at a distinct advantage. However, flights from India to Israel have previously received permission to fly over Saudi airspace, so perhaps the tight restrictions are loosening.
At this early stage, the exact route, over Saudia Arabia or not, and any further details are not yet known. Emirates is keeping its cards close to its chest, as are other airlines. But all the rumors point in the same direction; connecting flights are coming. The question is when, and which airline will get in there first with the best slots.
What do you think about this development? Will we see direct flights between the two nations in the future? Let us know what you think in the comments.