This is the reason why we sit longer on the plane on flights to the East Israel today

The Asian airlines Hainan and Cathay Pacific, which have so far flown the shortened route over Saudi Arabia, received a notice from the Israel Civil Aviation Authority that they will soon have to fly the longer route.

The reason for this is that the Israeli airlines have not yet received permission from Oman - so he asked about the need to fly the long route.

Now, the Asian airlines will also have to fly the long route, for the sake of fair competition.

At the end of the month, Korean Airlines is also expected to operate direct flights to Israel, and it too will probably have to fly the northern and longer route.

On average, flights to China and Hong Kong will take about an hour each way.

"The Israeli market exceeded all expectations"

Officials close to the foreign airlines are protesting in a conversation with Israel Hayom: "What are we to blame for not getting permission? The foreign companies' activities are according to the law, why do their passengers have to fly on a route that is more than an hour longer? Because they don't approve of God then the airlines Will the Asian women be punished?".

Shanghai, Photo: Getty Images

Sources close to the Ministry of Transportation explain the decision: "We need to protect the Israeli airlines here and it is important that the competition be fair. The Israeli airlines are an asset and we need to know how to protect them at least in fair competition."

As mentioned, Hainan started operating direct flights to Shenzhen last week and from December 22, it will also operate direct flights to Shanghai.

Now the entry to China is complex and a Chinese green card and isolation for eight days are required at the tourist's expense.

Entry to Hong Kong is simpler, but still requires a corona test process.

The CEO of Inan Airlines Israel Andy Wei said: "We are more than excited to announce the opening of another route to China just a few days after the relaunch of our operations in Israel. The Israeli market exceeded all our expectations in the days before the Corona virus and we are convinced that the opening of the route to Shanghai is another trigger for the return of tourists and the Chinese businessmen to Israel, and the return of the Israelis to China. We are prepared to provide passengers with the best service within the existing restrictions and look forward to our first flight to Shanghai, the economic capital of China, on December 22. We hope to increase the frequency of flights to Shenzhen and Shanghai soon, and expect the authorities in Israel to allow us Continue to fly the southern route, which is shorter and more economical in fuel and air pollution."

The Ministry of Transportation has not yet responded.

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