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Northern Israel’s first airline, Air Haifa, has announced the launch of its new direct flight route from Haifa International Airport to Athens, Greece.
The airline, which began operations with regional flights, is now expanding its international presence, offering a new travel option for residents of Haifa and northern Israel.
The new Athens route will operate five times a week, with flights departing Haifa every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 09:00. The flights will land at Athens International Airport at 11:55.
The return journey from Athens will take off at 12:55, with arrivals back in Haifa at 15:45. The one-way ticket for this new route is priced at $149, providing an affordable option for travelers seeking to explore Greece.
Air Haifa has already established a reputation with its existing services, including two daily flights to Eilat and three daily flights to Larnaca, Cyprus.
The airline’s CEO and co-founder, Gonen Usishkin, emphasized that the launch of the Athens route represents a “significant step” in Air Haifa’s mission to expand its international network.
Usishkin also highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening Haifa Airport’s position as a gateway to the Mediterranean, providing residents of northern Israel with greater access to international destinations.
“After launching flights to Eilat and Larnaca, we are proud to add another attractive destination for northern residents, and we will continue to expand our destination offerings in the coming months,” Usishkin said.
The airline will be operating all its flights with a fleet of three ATR 72-600 aircraft, the youngest aircraft fleet in Israel. This move reflects Air Haifa’s commitment to providing high-quality, modern air travel to its customers.
The ATR 72-600 is known for its fuel efficiency and ability to operate on shorter runways, making it an ideal aircraft for regional and international routes.
The new route to Athens is expected to attract a wide range of passengers, from leisure travelers heading to Greece’s historic capital to business professionals seeking more convenient international connections.
Athens, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant city life, is a popular destination for tourists, and the new flights provide a seamless connection from northern Israel.
For Haifa residents, the direct connection to Athens offers a significant advantage, eliminating the need to travel to Tel Aviv for international flights.
The new route is expected to boost tourism and business ties between Israel and Greece, with both countries seeing increased demand for travel and trade connections in recent years.
Air Haifa’s decision to expand its operations follows a growing trend of regional airports in Israel increasing their international offerings.
The airline’s ability to provide affordable, convenient air travel options aligns with the growing demand for direct flights to Mediterranean destinations, and the expansion of services is likely to contribute to the overall growth of Haifa as a major travel hub in the region.
As the airline continues to expand its network, more destinations are expected to be added in the coming months, making Air Haifa a key player in the Israeli aviation market.