Saudi move to open skies will save Israeli travelers time and money
Israelis are expected to enjoy cheaper and shorter flights to destinations in the east, while Muslims in the country will be able to fly direct to take part in the annual hajj pilgrimage, following Saudi Arabia’s announcement on Friday that will open its airspace to Israelis flying.
Flights to Asia from Tel Aviv have until now had to bypass the Arabian Peninsula, a consequence of the kingdom’s non-recognition of Israel, adding between two and three hours of travel.
Things started to change in 2020 after the The Abraham Accords were signed and Saudi Arabia has begun allowing Israeli airlines to fly over its territory in a special air corridor for flights to and from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The latest change means flights to and from India, Thailand, China and other places to the east can pass over the Saudi peninsula.
Oz Berlovitch, CEO of Israeli carrier Arkia, hailed the “dramatic move” and predicted that the shortened flight routes “will reduce the price of flights to the East, for example to India and Thailand, by at least 10%”.
Travelers boarding a plane from Israel to Bangkok will see their flights shortened to eight hours and 25 minutes from about 11 hours, while flights to Mumbai will be shortened from about eight hours to five hours and 15 minutes.
The new flight paths pass through Oman, a country that does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, nor does it currently allow Israeli planes to pass through its airspace. However, he is expected to follow suit as per Saudi Arabia’s decision.
An El Al plane seen on a flight tracking website as it makes the first commercial flight between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, crossing Saudi airspace, August 31, 2020. (Screen capture: FlightRadar24 )
Opening Saudi skies would also allow a 15.5-hour direct flight to Melbourne, Australia, as well as a six-hour flight to the Maldives if airlines decide to operate such routes.
As well as being a boon for tourists, the decision will also benefit Muslims in Israel wishing to take part in the hajj, as direct charter flights to Saudi Arabia will be made available to pilgrims each year.
Although the kingdom accepts Muslims arriving from Israel wishing to participate in the pilgrimage, they are currently obliged to travel through a third country, which ultimately increases the costs of the trip.
The pilgrimage is a unique duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey, taking them on a path believed to be traveled by the Prophet Muhammad around 1,400 years ago.
