Just days after the signing of a similar agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israel and Bahrain signed a deal on Thursday, establishing direct commercial flights between the two countries.
According to the Transportation Ministry, up to 14 weekly flights will operate between Ben Gurion Airport and Bahrain International Airport.
The agreement will also include five weekly cargo flights along with an unlimited number of flights between Manama and Ramon Airport near Eilat.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev said that the agreement will boost the aviation and tourism industry and commerce between the two nations.
She also said it will lead to the eventual formation of “express routes” that will allow passengers to travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Manama in roughly three hours.
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi called the agreement “a partnership between equals that will lead to the beginning of a wave of business, economy, tourism, the promotion of Israeli assets, presenting its beautiful side and our outstretched hand for peace between us and the countries of the region.”
The Israel-UAE aviation deal, signed earlier this week, will enable 28 weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The agreement will also enable 10 weekly cargo flights, with unlimited charter flights between the UAE and Eilat.