Saudi Arabia lifts ban on Israeli flights ahead of Biden’s visit
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation announced early Friday morning that it had decided to allow “all air carriers that meet the requirements of the authority” to fly in the Kingdom’s airspace.
The decision marks the first time Saudi Arabia allowing unlimited use of its airspace to Israeli airlines.
The announcement came hours before theU.S. President Joe Biden was scheduled to fly from Israel to Saudi Arabia.
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Biden welcomes decision
Biden said that Saudi Arabia has taken a small step toward normalizing relations with Israel by agreeing to allow Israeli planes to fly between the two countries.
U.S. President said Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow Israeli airlines to use its airspace “can help build momentum toward Israel’s further integration into the region,” including in Riyadh.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said “President Biden welcomes and commends the historic decision by the leadership of Saudi Arabia to open Saudi airspace to all civilian carriers without discrimination, a decision that includes flights to and from Israel.”
Israeli PM thank Saudi leadership for the gesture
“After a long road of intense and covert diplomacy with Saudi Arabia and the United States, today we have good news. The Saudi aviation authorities have announced that they will be opening Saudi airspace to Israeli airlines,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said.
He further thanked “the Saudi leadership for the opening of Saudi airspace. 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 airline welcomes Saudi decision
Israel’s flag carrier El Al said it welcomes the “very positive” decision by Saudi Arabia to open its airspace to all airlines, including flights traveling to and from Tel Aviv.