UAE billionaire calls on Arab states to sever air links with Israel

Khalaf Al-Habtoor, a billionaire and head of the Al Habtoor Group, has publicly urged Arab nations to impose stringent restrictions on air travel to and from Israel, warning that such measures could deliver a devastating blow to the Israeli economy.

Al Habtoor—one of the most influential business figures in the Persian Gulf—revealed that he commissioned an in-depth economic study assessing the potential fallout if Arab countries collectively closed their airspace to Israeli aircraft and suspended flights to Tel Aviv. The findings estimate that Israel could incur annual losses between $28 billion and $33.5 billion, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

“We Arabs wield significant economic power that must not be underestimated. A coordinated decision to sever air travel links could critically weaken Israel’s economy, destabilize the foundations of its sustainable development, and compel its leadership to reevaluate their policies,” Al Habtoor asserted. “Within just one year, we could inflict substantial economic damage, in addition to causing major disruptions to supply chains, tourism, and foreign investment. We have prepared a comprehensive report and are presenting it to the relevant decision-makers across our countries.”

Beyond airspace restrictions, Al Habtoor proposed further economic measures, including the reassessment of investments in nations supporting Israel and a reduction of commercial ties with organizations affiliated with the Jewish state.

Notably, Al Habtoor was a vocal advocate of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries.

By Vafa Guliyeva