Saudi Arabia will open its airspace for flights to and from Israel
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Signaling a thaw in relations, Saudi Arabia announced it would open the nation's airspace to all air carriers to and from Israel.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced this remarkable decision just as US President Joe Biden is due to visit the kingdom on Friday.
GACA said the country's airspace was now open to all carriers that meet its requirements for overflights, in line with international conventions that say there should be no discrimination between civil aircraft, Reuters reported.
The decision according to GACA would help the kingdom's efforts to position itself as a global hub connecting three continents.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that President Biden welcomed the decision, adding that the decision paves the way for more integrated, stable and secure Middle East region.
Reuters reported citing an US official that Saudi Arabia would permit more flight access including direct charter flights from Israel for Muslims to participate hajj in Mecca.
Bypassing Saudi Arabian airspace currently causes increased fuel burn and flight times to and from Israel.
Saudi Arabia, Islam's birthplace, does not recognise Israel's statehood