Saudi Arabia to open its airspace for all air carriers ahead of Biden's flight from Israel

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said late on Thursday that Saudi Arabia decided to open the Kingdom's airspace for all air carriers that meet the requirements of "the authority for overflying".

The decision is "to complement the efforts aimed at consolidating the Kingdom's position as a global hub connecting three continents and to enhance international air connectivity," GACA added in a statement.

Earlier Thursday, a U.S official told Reuters Saudi Arabia will soon allow unfettered overflight to Israeli airlines and permit direct charter flights from Israel for Muslims participating in the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

The move was seen as a gesture of openness ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to the Gulf Kingdom from Israel. 

It is widely speculated that Biden's trip will catalyse the normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, building on the Abraham Accords brokered under the previous US administration. 

On Thursday it was revealed Israel had 'no objection' to the transfer of two strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia - this was also viewed as a gesture towards normalisation. 

Palestinians and their allies have strongly opposed normalisation deals given the continued systematic abuse faced by Palestinians in occupied territory. Many Palestinians have criticised Biden's visit for concentrating on normalisation and thus, sweeping to one side their rights to self-determination and the continuation of illegal Israeli settlements.