Bahrain and Israel to begin direct flights, open embassies

Bahrain and Israel have agreed to start operating direct commercial flights and open mutual embassies, they confirmed on Wednesday, November 18.

It came after trilateral talks were held in in Tel Aviv between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, and US State Secretary Mike Pompeo, reported Bahrain News Agency.

“The joint talks will contribute to developing cooperation between the kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Israel in the areas of trade and investment, emerging projects, the banking sector, health, education, communication, technology and innovation,” said Alzayani.

He confirmed that both countries have worked towards opening up mutual embassies and are also finalising a joint visa system. Media reports have also indicated that starting December 1, Bahrainis and Israelis will be able to apply online for entry visas.

According to a recent MoU signed between the two countries with regards to aviation, it was decided that starting 2021, there would be 14 weekly flights operating between Bahrain and Tel Aviv, as well as other airports including Eilat and Haifa airports, besides five weekly cargo flights.

“Bahrain views cooperation with Israel in the field of civil aviation with great interest, given the comprehensive infrastructure that the two countries have in terms of a comprehensive infrastructure, a modern air transport fleet and trained and qualified cadres,” said under secretary for Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Mohammed Thamer Al-Kaabi

The agreement is expected to boost trade and tourism between the two countries.

In October, Bahrain and Israel signed a joint communique to establish diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations in Manama, Bahrain, and became only the second Gulf nation to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Along with the UAE, Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords with Israel.

Read: Bahrain, Israel sign historic joint communique to establish diplomatic relations

Bahrain’s GCC counterpart UAE has also announced that it would imminently begin regular commercial flights with Israel.

Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad will launch daily scheduled year-round flights connecting Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv starting March 28, 2021. Dubai-based carrier flydubai has already confirmed that it will introduce flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv from November 26, 2020.

Read: Etihad grounds entire A380 fleet; will commence Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv daily flights from March 2021