Saudi Arabia denies report of historic approval of flights to Israel using its airspace

Saudi Arabia has granted Air India approval to operate direct flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv, sources in the Israeli flight industry told Haaretz. If confirmed, this would be the first time the Saudis are allowing commercial flights to Israel to use their airspace. However, according to Reuters, a spokesman for Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation denied the report, saying the agency had not granted Air India permission to operate direct flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv. If true, Riyadh's approval would mean that the duration of flights from India to Israel will be shortened by 2.5 hours, compared to the route currently in use. The new route would allow the airline to reduce fuel costs and sell cheaper tickers to passengers. <br/>