Arkia Israeli Airlines has decided to launch new tourist flights from Manchester to Tel Aviv, despite the recent escalations in the Israel-Gaza conflict. This decision comes at a time when the UK government has advised against all non-essential travel to the capital city, marking Tel Aviv as an amber zone.
Even though other airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air have either suspended or delayed their flights to Israel due to the conflict, Arkia Israeli Airlines is moving forward with its plans to offer flights from Manchester to Tel Aviv twice a week. The carrier’s website is already allowing customers to book return journeys departing from Manchester on Mondays or Fridays, highlighting Tel Aviv as a tourist destination.
Manchester Airport confirmed that a flight departed for Tel Aviv last Monday, indicating that there is indeed interest in traveling to Israel despite the ongoing tensions in the region. Additionally, The Jerusalem Post reported that the new route could attract Israeli football fans who are eager to watch games of popular teams like Manchester United and Manchester City.
Liat Bell Sommer, the head of communications and government relations at Arkia, expressed that the Jewish community worldwide has shown a strong desire to visit Israel and support the communities affected by the conflict. She mentioned that with Arkia’s direct flights, traveling to Israel has become much more accessible for those interested in showing their solidarity.
Arkia Israeli Airlines, which is the country’s second largest carrier, is based at Sde Dov Airport in Tel Aviv. The decision to launch these new flights from Manchester to Tel Aviv not only provides a convenient travel option for passengers but also serves as a way to promote tourism and strengthen ties between the UK and Israel during challenging times.