The first scheduled commercial flight operated by flydubai from Dubai International (DXB) landed at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on Thursday (November 26) to a water salute.
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, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Today’s inaugural flight sees the air transport agreement realised. 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. We look forward to welcoming the first passengers from Israel as they come to explore the UAE.”
Since the airline announced the launch of operations to Tel Aviv, demand for services from both Israel and the UAE had been “strong”, noted flydubai’s Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce, Jeyhun Efendi.
“There is opportunity to further grow our double daily service,” he added.
flydubai’s holidays division has also launched leisure packages with prices starting from AED 2,580 per person from Dubai and US$665 for packages from Tel Aviv. This includes return economy flights and three nights’ accommodation in four-star hotels.
The airline also offers a range of partner services passengers including home check-in and belt pick-up, meet and greet services, holiday packages and car hire all at preferential rates.
