Flydubai to commence flights to Israel from November 26

dubai — Budget carrier flydubai will start flights to the Israeli capital of Tel Aviv from November 26 following the normalisation of relations between the two nations.

The carrier will operate 14 flights a week, offering a double daily service between Dubai International and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV) airports. Flydubai became the first carrier to announce regular schedule and airfares from the UAE.

The UAE and Israel signed the historic Abraham Accord in Washington DC on September 15, formalising the start of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Last month, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority signed an air transport services agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel, to start air transport service, enabling tourism, trade and business. The two countries agreed to enable 28 flights per week between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Tel Aviv.

“Since the launch of flydubai, we have been committed to removing barriers to travel, creating free flows of trade and tourism and enhancing connectivity between different cultures,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai.

“Following the recent bilateral agreement, the start of scheduled flights will contribute to economic development and create further opportunities for investment in pursuit of our shared interests and values. With the start of services, there will be the option for increased accessibility to the UAE as well as onwards to the Indian Ocean, Far East and Africa — reducing total journey times by several hours,” he said.

The airline said return business class fares on Dubai-Tel Aviv route start from Dh6,000 and economy class fares from Dh1,600.