An Air India flight made history on Thursday by flying to Israel via Saudi airspace for the first time ever, proving improved ties between Tel Aviv and Riyadh, according to the AFP.
Air India 139, with 256 seats, landed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport after a 7.5-hour-long flight.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stressed on the importance of the new air track by saying that the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has discussed it with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi earlier in June in Israel.

“This is a really historic day that follows two years of very, very intensive work,” Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said in a radio interview.

The Ministry also said that the new air track will decrease flight fares, and will enhance tourism and investment between Israel and India.

Saudi Arabia, like the majority of Arab League countries, does not recognize Israel, but has strong ties with the United States, the main backer of Israel worldwide.