This is great news for international aviation.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has not allowed Israeli airlines to use its airspace. Many flights to and from Israel have taken roundabout routes due to this.
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation has announced that Saudi Arabia's airspace is now open to all carriers. The country explained that the decision is within the framework of the country's desire to fulfill its obligation under the Chicago Convention.
Just ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia, a new development was disclosed. New nonstop flights between Saudi Arabia and Israel are expected to be part of a larger deal.
The opening of Saudi Arabia's airspace is the latest in a series of steps that Israel is taking to improve relations in the region. A big step for the region was the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the U.A. There have been a lot of flights added between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia used to restrict its airspace to all airlines flying to Israel. Saudi Arabia opened its airspace to all flights between Israel and the U.A. Most of the time, flights are flying over Saudi Arabian airspace.
All flights from Israel to Saudi Arabian airspace will now be possible. In order to get from Tel Aviv to Bangkok, you have to fly along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This flight is going to be shorter in the future.
All flights to and from Israel will be able to use Saudi Arabian airspace going forward. Previously there was an exception for flights between Israel and the U.A.
There has never been a better time for airspace to be open.
What do you think about Saudi Arabia opening its airspace?