In Pictures: Flydubai makes a landmark arrival in Tel Aviv

The first scheduled commercial flight operated by flydubai from Dubai International (DXB) landed at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on Thursday 26 November to a water salute. The inaugural flight was flown by Captain Patrick Gonzenbach and Emirati First Officer, Abdulla Al Shamsi.

The first flydubai service lands at Israel's Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called it "a moment of history." "As-salaam alaikum (Peace be upon you)," he said to arriving passengers. "Come again and again and again." On board the aircraft was a delegation led by Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai. They were met on arrival by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with a delegation that included the CEO of Ben Gurion International Airport Shmuel Zakay and representatives from the aviation industry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai at Ben Gurion International Airport. Ghaith Al Ghaith said “Today’s inaugural flight sees the air transport agreement realised. The creation of these direct air links will support the development of commercial ventures across a number of sectors helping to drive success and prosperity. We look forward to welcoming the first passengers from Israel as they come to explore the UAE.”

UAE and Israeli citizens are now able to visit each others' country without applying for a visa before travelling.

Passengers, including businessmen, pull their luggage upon landing in Israel on a United Arab Emirates airline flydubai flight at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv.

Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce, said, “Since we announced the launch of operations to Tel Aviv we have seen strong demand for services from both Israel and the UAE. We received our first bookings from both tourists and business travellers shortly after the schedule was published. There is opportunity to further grow our double daily service.”

The UAE in September signed a US-brokered deal to normalise relations with Israel, the first such agreement by an Arab state in the Gulf.

Flydubai lands at Israel's Ben Gurion aiport near Tel Aviv on the first scheduled commercial service between the two cities. The commencement of commercial flights between the two countries will be a game changer for UAE’s airlines.

Flydubai airliner is seen through a glass panel during a welcoming ceremony attending by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon its landing at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv.