International Desk         

Direct flights between the UAE and Israel have begun. Fly Dubai, a low-cost airline, has launched a direct flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Thursday.

Last September, Israel and the United Arab Emirates signed a so-called historic agreement to normalize relations mediated by the United States. A similar agreement is reached with Bahrain. The Palestinians called the deal a stab in the back, but Saudi Arabia quietly backed the deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that several other countries in the Arab world will soon be on the path to improving relations with Israel. He will be at the airport to receive the inaugural flight from Flydubai to Tel Aviv on Thursday after a four-hour journey.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu will be present at the reception when Flydubai’s flight arrives at Ben-Gurion International Airport,” Israeli Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesman said in a tweet.

He added, “This is the fruit of peace, dear Emirati friends. Welcome to Israel! ‘

Israeli and Emirati authorities believe the treaty will play a key role in rebuilding the economy damaged by the coronavirus epidemic. They are hoping for an influx of Israeli tourists to Dubai this winter.

Announcing the launch of flights between the UAE and Israel earlier this month, Flydubai chief executive Gaith Al-Gaith said, “The launch of scheduled flights will contribute to economic development and create more investment opportunities.”

The Dubai-based flight will operate twice daily on the Tel Aviv route.

Israeli airlines El Al and Israel have both said they could launch commercial flights between the two countries from next month.

In addition, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has announced that it will start flights to Tel Aviv in March 2021. (Source: Al Jazeera)