Flydubai to launch low-cost flights between Israel and the UAE in November

The budget airline is the first to fly passengers directly from Dubai to Tel Aviv

Flydubai will operate 14 flights per week between Dubai and Israel's Tel Aviv. Unsplash

Low-cost airline flydubai is launching direct flights to Israel from Dubai, with the route starting on November 26.

The airline is the first to operate passenger flights direct from Dubai to Tel Aviv. It will fly twice daily to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport from Dubai International Airport.

A recently signed air transport agreement between the UAE and Israel has allowed airlines in the UAE to begin introducing passenger and cargo flights between the countries.

Return fares from Dh1,322

Return fares for the budget flights start from Dh1,600 ($435) in economy class departing from Dubai. Business class tickets on the same route start from Dh6,000 ($1,633).

Departing from Tel Aviv, economy fares start from $360 (Dh1,322) and business class tickets are $1,600 (Dh5,876).

“Following the recent bilateral agreement, the start of scheduled flights will contribute to economic development and create further opportunities for investment in pursuit of our shared interests and values," said Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive at flydubai.

"With the start of services there will be the option for increased accessibility to the UAE as well as onwards to the Indian Ocean, Far East and Africa, reducing total journey times by several hours."

Flydubai will be the first UAE airline to operate passenger flights to Israel from Dubai. It follows Etihad as the second UAE airline to fly to the country.

Last month, the UAE's national airline operated the first commercial passenger flight from between the UAE and Israel.

A mutual visa-free travel scheme between the two countries will allow Emiratis to travel to Israel for up to 90 days without a visa.