Netanyahu: Saudis allow airspace for Air India flights to Israel

Netanyahu says Riyadh is allowing Air India to fly over Saudi territory in direct flights from New Delhi to Tel Aviv, notwithstanding the Kingdom’s denial last month.

By: World Israel News Staff

Speaking to reporters in Washington after meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saudi Arabia is permitting Air India to use its airspace for direct flights from New Delhi to Tel Aviv.

Reports from Israel last month indicated that Saudi Arabia had given its approval for Air India to use its airspace. This would save passengers over two hours of flying time, as opposed to the route that Israel’s airline, El Al, must take to avoid the Arab state, which still has no official diplomatic relations with Israel.

Neither the Saudis nor Air India has confirmed whether permission has been granted.