Flydubai touches down in Tel Aviv in historic first flight

WAM

Flydubai's first scheduled commercial flight to Israel landed at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport on Thursday to a water salute.

The low-cost carrier's inaugural flight to Israel was flown by Captain Patrick Gonzenbach and Emirati First Officer, Abdulla Al Shamsi.

On board the aircraft was a delegation led by Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai.

They were met on arrival by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with a delegation that included the CEO of Ben Gurion International Airport, Shmuel Zakay and representatives from the aviation industry.

Ghaith Al Ghaith said the flight was a realisation of the recently inked air transport agreement between the UAE and Israel.

"The creation of these direct air links will support the development of commercial ventures across a number of sectors helping to drive success and prosperity", he explained.

He said flydubai looked forward to welcoming the first passengers from Israel to the UAE.

The airline will offer Kosher meals to passengers on a pre-order basis.

More from Business

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.