As per the directions of the company, the plane landed in Israel for routine upkeep by Bedek, an Israeli company contracted by Israel Aircraft Industries. An IAI spokesperson confirmed the plane’s arrival and said that the “ongoing and routine maintenance” of the Airbus passenger plane was part of the services Ben Gurion provided to the aircraft manufacturer.

Like most Arab countries, Saudi Arabia does not officially recognize Israel, and there are no direct or indirect flights between the two countries.