Saudi Arabia announced that it would open its airspace for all airlines, which “meet its requirements.” The country’s airports will begin to maintain flights, including Israel and Israel, Israeli Channel 9
reports.
According to the Kingdom Civil Aviation Office, the decision is designed to strengthen the position of Saudi Arabia as a global transport aircraft connecting three continents, as well as increase the volume of international air communication.
“This is a historical solution that paves the way for a more integrated, stable and safe Middle East. It is also important and necessary for the prosperity and security of the United States and Israel,” Jake Sullivan adviser to national security commented on the news.
Opening its airspace, Saudi Arabia fulfilled its obligations under the 1994 Chicago Agreement and no longer pursues an election policy in relation to foreign civil airlines who want to use its airspace. For the first time, this largest state on the Arabian Peninsula opens the sky for Israeli civilian aircraft. The decision of Saudi Arabia reduces for Israeli aircraft by 2.5 hours the flight time in Mumbai, for almost three hours – the flight time in Bangkok, for an hour and a half – the flight time in Melbourne. It is also expected that after the arrival of US President Joe Biden in Saudi Arabia, Er-Riyad will give permission to direct flights from Israel for the participants of Hajj.