Flydubai will commence flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Nov. 26, 2020, becoming the first United Arab Emirates airline to launch regular service in the wake of September’s so-called Abraham Accords diplomatic agreement between Israel and some Gulf states. “The carrier will operate 14 flights a week offering a double-daily service between Dubai International (DXB) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV), and flights are now available to be booked on flydubai.com,” the company said.
Return business class fares from Tel Aviv to Dubai are $1,600, with economy class fares $360. Return trips originating from Dubai will be slightly more expensive.
“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,” said CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith. “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.”
On October 19, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways staged the first-ever commercial passenger flight by a Gulf Cooperation Council country to Israel, a one-off flight to Tel Aviv, to bring Israeli delegations to the UAE capital for a two-day visit.
“As a travel trade mission, the flight will bring a group of tourism industry leaders, key corporate decision-makers, travel agents, and cargo agents along with media to experience Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, at the invitation of Etihad Airways and representatives of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry,” it said the day of the flight.
The airline does not yet appear to have regular flights to Israel but has launched a Hebrew-language section of its website.