Air India ends Saudi Arabia's overfly ban to reach Israel
National carrier Air India has scripted history by starting its direct maiden flight to Tel Aviv from New Delhi that reached safely in Tel Aviv on Thursday. The flight has heralded a new chapter in the India-Israel ties ending a decades-old overfly ban by Saudi Arabia. Flight AI 139 landed at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport at 22:15 (Israeli time). Here's more.
Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin on the direct flight
"This is really a historical moment...We are in a new era. I am sure that we will see many more Indian tourists coming to Israel...and Israelis would also come to India in much higher numbers. Such direct links would strengthen the relationship between India-Israel."
Saudi Arabia's permission enabled AI to take a shorter route
Saudi Arabia's decision to permit Air India to use its airspace has enabled the airline to take a shorter route. It covered the distance in 7.15 hours - 2.10 hours less than the time taken by Israel's airline El Al. Many Arab and Islamic nations do not recognize Israel and, therefore, disallow airlines from using their airspace for flight services to that country.
"This is really a first step, a very important one"
On Saudi Arabia's permission to use its airspace, Levin said: "We have to (be) very cautious. This is really a first step, a very important one. I hope with times we have more and more normal relationship with our neighbor." "India played a very important bridge not only between India and us but also between Israel and other countries in this region," he added.
This initiative would strengthen India-Israel ties in various spheres
Terming as "historic" the moment of arrival of AI's flight to Tel Aviv, Indian Ambassador to Israel Pavan Kapoor said a lot of efforts had gone into it over the last two years with a strong vision and support for the initiative from the Prime Ministers of both the countries. It would strengthen India-Israel ties in various spheres, including political, trade, and cultural.
The airline anticipates interest from travelers from many countries
Air India CMD Pradeep Kharola said the direct flight has the shortest route connecting New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Kharola and Israel Ministry of Tourism Director Hassan Madah also cut a symbolic cake to mark the start of the direct flight to Israel. Kharola had earlier said the airline anticipates interest from travelers from countries further to the east of India such as Australia.
All you need to know about the direct flight
The flight will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. While the inaugural flight AI 139 left at 6 pm IST yesterday, the scheduled departure will be 4:50 pm IST from March 25 when the summer schedule comes into operation. The carrier will be operating its 256-seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner on this route. The flight flew over Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to reach Israel.
