Senior US and Israeli officials will flying from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi in a symbolic and substantive demonstration of improved ties since the countries' historic agreement this month to normalize relations.
"This is a revolution for tourism to and from Israel," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says during visit to Ben-Gurion International Airport.
Veteran Israeli hotelier says resorts must differentiate themselves to attract guests, who will mainly be domestic "staycationers" through next spring.
The decision to cancel flights comes after negotiations between Pilots Committee Chairman Nir Reuveni and El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin ended without resolution on Tuesday evening.
French daily Le Monde names Israel, US, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia as countries the EU considers as having a troubling coronavirus infection rate. Foreign Ministry official says EU's decision is based on medical data and "has nothing to do with relations between countries."
Company says it will continue to use its aircraft for cargo and occasional passenger flights.
The agreement's final ratification is "an important expression of the relationship Israel has with the EU," says Israeli foreign minister.
The rising infection rate in Israel is deterring some countries from allowing Israeli tourists in.
The Treasury is proposing that the government become the controlling shareholder and appoint an independent trustee to oversee the running of the airline.
Israel Airports Authority workers are protesting the government's response to the crisis in the aviation sector. El Al, Air Canada, and United flights currently en route to Israel will reportedly be allowed to land.