Lifting the 70-year-old airspace ban Saudi Arabia has allowed Air India to use its air space, for flight, to and Tel Aviv. “Air India signed an agreement today to fly to Israel over Saudi Arabia,” Netanyahu said, adding that the travel time equates to the same time as flying from Tel Aviv to London.
Last month, Air India had announced thrice-weekly flights to Tel Aviv over Saudi airspace, but Riyadh hacdc denied any such permission to the Indian flag carrier.
The decision, if confirmed by Saudi authorities will be a game changer not only got the Middle Eastern politics but will also be a diplomatic coup for India and a huge win for Prime Minister Modi.
Modi has been one of the few leaders of the world that have personal comradrie with leadership of Israel, Saudi and Palestine. India also boasts excellent relashionship with Iran.
While the permissions may have been only for thrice a week flight, Indian diplomats will be treated with additional respect for thawing two of the age old warring parties in middle east. This may also raise possibilities of Indian led mediation with other beleaguered parties of the region.
