JERUSALEM

The UAE's largest airline Emirates on Thursday conducted its first passenger flight to Israel, marking the start of a daily flight route between Dubai and Tel Aviv.

Flight EK931 was carrying on board 355 passengers and was greeted with the traditional water salute on arrival at the Ben Gurion Airport.

According to the Israeli 24 website, UAE's Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Al-Khaja was on board along with reporters from Israeli news outlets.

"I wish this new airways will open a new path of opportunities for our people and strengthen the ties between the two countries," Al-Khaja said on Twitter, adding: "Thank you Emirates for leading this way."

In September 2020, the UAE and Israel signed a US-sponsored deal to normalize their relations. Since then, the two countries have exchanged official visits by senior officials and signed dozens of bilateral agreements in various fields, including investment, banking services, and tourism.

Three other Arab states – Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan – joined the UAE in the controversial move that came to be known as the Abraham Accords.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara