UAE-Israel flight

The first-ever commercial passenger flight between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, which was also the first flight to Israel from any of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries, occurred on Oct. 19 with an Emirates flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi.

The UAE signed an accord with Israel on Sept. 15 recognizing it as a country. Citizens of the two countries, along with Bahrain, which recognized Israel in an agreement also ratified on Sept. 15, now may travel to each other’s nations. Before the accord, Israeli passports were not accepted as valid by the UAE, and Israeli citizens could not enter that country, though they were allowed to transit UAE’s airports.

Additionally, travelers wishing to see both countries on one trip can now take direct flights rather than first transiting a third country.