With Tel Aviv airport shuttered outside of rescue flights to prevent entry of virus mutations from overseas, US Department of Transportation says ban on American airlines violation of bilateral aviation agreements. El Al is now the only airline permitted to operate rescue flights from New York.
The tourism industry in both countries has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. PM Netanyahu: Deal is designed to allow tourists with vaccination certificates to move between the countries without any limitations.
Workers at Ben-Gurion International Airport snap photo of stowaway sunning itself on the control panel of one of the company's planes.
Officials hope the deal will be finalized by the time Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visits Israel next week.
Flights will feature kosher food available for pre-order and kosher wine.
The visa waivers, meant to have gone into effect by Feb.13, were a centerpiece of a Sept. 15 accord formalizing Israel-UAE relations.
In closed meeting, aviation officials express concern that the government might decide to extend ban on entry for foreign citizens, which would decimate the already hurting tourism sector.
COVID-19 crisis crushed hopes for record-breaking year as skies closed and traveling was banned.
Mediterranean nation considering "green passport" policy that will allow visitors who provide proof of vaccination to skip quarantine, attend public events.
The measure comes after thousands of Israelis returned from international trips to Dubai, sparking concerns that some could be asymptomatic carriers. Israel's infection rate has been steadily growing over the past week.
