DUBAI — Dubai Airports, operator of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) received a delegation of representatives of Israeli airlines El Al, Israir and Arkia, at its corporate offices at DXB on Tuesday.

The delegation’s visit follows the signing of a number of bilateral agreements between the two countries, and the recently announced launch of regular commercial flight operations connecting Israel and the UAE.

Commenting on the delegation’s visit, Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports said: "There is a lot of anticipation following the signing of the historic accords and both sides recognize the importance of enabling air connectivity as one of the first important steps to realizing those expectations. Both sides are keen to open-air travel as a first step toward facilitating people to people contact, tourism, and trade, and accordingly, our focus at the meeting was to understand the requirements of the airlines so that we can offer them and our mutual customers – the travelers, the top class experience that Dubai is known for worldwide."

The two teams discussed preparations for the launch of new, direct air services between Dubai and Tel Aviv, including a twice-daily service by El Al operating Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, six weekly flights by Israir operating the Airbus A320, and daily services by Arkia on the Embraer E-195 E-Jet aircraft, all scheduled for launch in December.

The new services will add an eminent destination to DXB’s existing global network of over 140 destinations, bringing more choice to travelers on both sides, and opening major opportunities for cargo and trade between the two countries.DP World to host Breakbulk Middle East in February 2021.