Several international airlines resume flights to Israel

Some European airline companies including low-cost airlines are expected to resume flights to Israel in February after Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas recently signed a hostage ceasefire deal.

International airlines that are expected to resume flights to Israel include Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Australian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and the low-cost airline EasyJet. 

Eshet Tours deputy CEO Shirley Cohen Orkaby welcomed the news that Lufthansa and other European airlines are returning to the Israeli market. 

"This is very encouraging news, as Lufthansa encompasses five airlines, meaning numerous direct destinations are opening at once,” Orkaby stated. “Lufthansa's return signifies a positive sentiment following the signing of the cease-fire and paves the way for other major airlines to return to Israel,” she continued. 

Orkaby also articulated optimism that the return of several European airlines would also increase Israel’s connectivity to the United States and the wider world. 

“It also significantly enhances the offerings for connecting flights to the U.S. and other distant destinations.”

Following the Hamas Oct. 7 attack, most international airlines cancelled or postponed flights to Israel and the local tourism industry consequently came to a near standstill for over a year. 

In September, European authorities urged airline companies to avoid Israeli and Lebanese airspaces for security reasons due to the fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese terrorist militia Hezbollah. However, the northern war front is currently quiet after Hezbollah and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement in late November. 

Many people in Israel and abroad hope that the resumption of more flights will eventually lower the currently very high price of air tickets. Israel’s leading airline company El Al, has dominated the local air travel market for the past year and enjoyed a near monopoly on several crucial destinations. 

The Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air recently resumed flights between Israel and several destinations such as Rome, London, Krakow, Vienna, Athens and Abu Dhabi. However, the Israeli flight market is still awaiting the return of leading international airline companies such as British Airways, Delta Airlines, Air France, Air Canada, United Airlines, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Air Baltic. 

Meanwhile, the Israeli airline Israir announced on Sunday that it would begin flying to Vilnius, Lithuania; Basel, Switzerland; and Debrecen, Hungary this coming spring and summer.

"Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city, lies on the River Koros in the country's east. It's known for its rich culture, shopping, parks and spas, as well as the restored synagogue commemorating the once-thriving Jewish community,” Israir stated. 

The airline company also presented Vilnius as an attractive destination for Israeli and international travelers. 

“Vilnius offers a blend of culture, history and a vibrant urban atmosphere. Kosher travelers will find kosher restaurants, hotels and synagogues.” 

The local Israeli tech industry has also struggled to secure flights between Israel and the U.S. The lack of available flights and affordable prices resulted in the formation of TechAir, a tech initiative offering flights between Israel and New York. 

The Israeli airline company Arkia recently announced that it would join the TechAir initiative by directly challenging El Al on the crucial Tel Aviv – New York route. 

“This is a historic and significant day for Arkia,” the airline CEO Oz Berlowitz said. “Launching the direct Tel Aviv-New York route is an important milestone, which shows our commitment to the Israeli public and to finding aviation solutions even in challenging times,” he continued.