Israel allows West Bank Palestinians to fly out of Ramon Airport
Israel will allow Palestinians to travel to Turkey through Ramon Airport on a pilot flight that may expand routes and numbers.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The first flight for Palestinian travelers from Ramon Airport near Eilat will depart on Aug. 22 to the Turkish city of Antalya. The pilot flight allows Palestinians to travel through an Israeli airport based on an agreement with Turkey-based airlines.
The flight will initially carry passengers from the southern West Bank — in particular Bethlehem and Hebron, given that this area is the closest to the airport. Travelers from this area reach Ramon Airport in a four-hour drive.
Amir Assi, the strategic consultant to Arkia Israeli Airlines, told the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (Makan) that the first flight will depart on Aug. 22 to the Turkish city of Antalya. Another flight will depart for Cyprus. The first trip will be a starting point for other flights to other destinations, according to Assi.
Commenting about travel arrangements, he explained that Palestinians who hold a Palestinian passport only will be allowed onboard after obtaining a special permit to travel through Ramon Airport from specific tourism offices to be announced. The permit will be issued within three to seven days, and Palestinians who are denied a security pass will not be allowed to travel through the airport.
