Emirates lands in Israel: the airline of the United Arab Emirates, one of the best in the world, touched down at Ben Gurion today, June 23, 2022, and is officially starting operations here. Until now only its sister company flydubai operated at Ben Gurion. The arrival of Emirates is a real game changer.
Beyond the experience of flying to and from Dubai with an airline known for its lavish aircraft and distinctive, luxurious service, Emirates will connect Israelis to many more places on comfortable connecting flights through Dubai, to more than 182 destinations around the world. That was not possible before.
The ceremony was attended by reporters and tourism professionals, bloggers, Transport Minister Merav Michaeli, the UAE ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja, Israel’s ambassador to the Emirates, Amir Hayek, and journalists from the UAE who arrived on the inaugural flight from Dubai.
Emirates lands in Israel with a Boeing 777
After the festive water-salute ceremony we boarded the aircraft to see, and feel a little of, the special Emirates atmosphere. We had thought the airline would send its flagship A380 for the inaugural flight, but in the end it announced that the A380 would not be coming to Israel for now, for several reasons. Perhaps in future it will fly the Tel Aviv-Dubai route.
Business class
Even on the Emirates 777 the luxury is obvious. Economy is fairly standard, but business class is something special: a personal mini-fridge with soft drinks for each passenger, a seat that opens into a bed, two screens and a noticeably high standard of finish.
First class
Business class is certainly special. The most upgraded cabin, though, is first class, which is deeply impressive: each passenger gets a private suite that is more indulgent still. It is hard to put the luxury of this aircraft into words, and this is the smaller model.
What it means for Israeli travellers
The aircraft are exceptional and very comfortable, and this is significant news for Ben Gurion, both for the flight experience itself and for the new connection options to a wide range of destinations. We will no longer always have to connect through Turkey to fly east.
For the latest on the route, see Emirates announces its return to Israel, and for the hub itself our guide to Dubai International Airport.
Emirates – fly better.
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