Moscow, Russia
Photo: Reuters
Israel, Russia sign 'open skies' deal
Agreement enables each country to operate 36 regular weekly flights, in addition to an unlimited number of flights on other routes between the two countries.
Israel
and Russia have signed a new aviation agreement allowing unlimited flights between the two countries.
Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz said Sunday that the agreement includes flights to Ben-Gurion Airport and Ovda Airport near Eilat.
The agreement enables each country to operate up to 36 regular weekly flights, and on the rest of the routes airlines from both countries will be able to fly unrestrictedly.
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The agreement, which was signed by depends on the implementation of proper security measures for Israeli airlines in Russia.
Until now, El Al has been operating direct regular flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg. On the Russian side, Transaero Airlines has been operating flights from Moscow to Ben-Gurion Airport, while Rossiya Airlines has been offering flights from St. Petersburg to Tel Aviv.
Estimates are that with the new "open skies" agreement, flights will be offered to additional destinations in Russia and competition will increase, possibly leading to price reductions.
