One part of the dog-legging correct, but I fear Eilat incorrect. WW2 RAF interest was coastal and maritime recce, almost GR perhaps. New airport built 1999-ish with hopes for tourism and maybe a strategic purpose as well.
Usual visitations through the centuries. Portuguese, of course, East India Company, Italy, Great Britain, and I believe the Soviet Navy found it useful. Probably only two of those had any aviation interest. I gather USAAC ferry routes in WW2 may have been relevant.