SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority announced opening its airspace and removing a ban on flights from Israel. Amid President Joe Biden’s visit to the gulf country, Saudi removed restrictions, allowing flights between Israel and Gulf states to cross through its airspace. This is a great accomplishment for the US president, who aims to improve relations in the Middle East.
Joe was the first US president to fly directly from Israel to Saudi Arabia. Soon after that, the General authority of civil aviation announced “the decision to open the Kingdom’s airspace for all air carriers that meet the requirements of the Authority for overflying.”
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated: “This decision is the result of the president’s persistent and principled diplomacy with Saudi Arabia over many months.” Previously, only Air India was authorised to fly over Saudi Arabia. The US president has focused on integrating Israel into the broader Gulf region, particularly with Saudi Arabia.”
“Saudi Arabia allows Israel airlines to fly over its territory in a special air corridor. According to The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), this decision will “complement the efforts to consolidate the kingdom’s position as a global hub connecting three continents and enhancing international air connectivity,” Sullivan.
Joe Biden was quite sceptical and optimistic before the gulf country announced to start of the airlines. He said, “Today, I will be the first president of the United States to fly from Israel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As we mark this important moment, Saudi Arabia’s decision can help build momentum toward Israel’s further integration into the region, including with Saudi Arabia.”
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