More overflights to and from Israel will be possible thanks to Saudi Arabia’s announcement that it will open its airspace to all airlines.
More overflights to and from Israel will be possible thanks to Saudi Arabia’s announcement that it will open its airspace to all airlines, an indication that the two nations’ ties are improving.
In accordance with international conventions that state there should be no discrimination between civil aircraft, the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) announced Thursday that the country’s airspace is now accessible to all airlines that meet their overflight conditions.
The choice will “complement efforts aimed at solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a global hub connecting three continents and improving international air connectivity,” the GACA said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia’s declaration of an open US President Joe Biden, who will fly to the kingdom from Israel on Friday as part of a regional tour, welcomed Saudi Arabia’s move.
“This decision paves the way for a more integrated, stable, and secure Middle East region that is critical to the security and prosperity of the United States and the American people, and to the security and prosperity of Israel,” the National Security said White House adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.
Earlier Thursday, a US official told Reuters Saudi Arabia will soon grant Israeli airlines unrestricted overflight access and allow direct charter flights from Israel for Muslims attending the annual Haj pilgrimage in Mecca.
