A day after Israel closed its airspace after launching a strike on Iran, Israeli airline Arkia announced Sunday morning that it will operate special round-trip flights between Athens and Taba, Egypt, in cooperation with Electra Airways.
Fares start at $359 one way, not including baggage. A carry-on trolley costs an additional $20, while a checked suitcase is priced at $45.
According to Arkia, the flights will be operated by Electra Airways using Airbus A320 aircraft and are intended to allow passengers to cross overland from the Taba border crossing into Israel, as well as depart Israel via Taba for onward flights to Athens.
Tickets are available for purchase on Arkia’s website and through travel agents only.
The flight schedule, as of now, is as follows:
March 1, 2026
12:50 p.m. – Athens to Taba (3E9214)
4:40 p.m. – Taba to Athens (3E9215)
March 2, 2026
5 a.m. – Athens to Taba (3E9212)
8:50 a.m. – Taba to Athens (3E9215)
12:50 p.m. – Athens to Taba (3E9214)
4:40 p.m. – Taba to Athens (3E9215)
Thousands of Israelis remain stranded abroad following the sudden closure of Israeli airspace, with flights canceled on short notice, in some cases after passengers had already cleared security and were waiting at departure gates.
In addition to efforts to reach Israel via land crossings in Jordan and Egypt, some travelers have turned to private “rescue sailings” operating between Cyprus and Israel, offered at a cost of about 1,500 euros per person.
On Saturday, El Al said it is preparing a rescue operation to bring Israelis home once approval is granted to resume flight operations. According to the airline, customers holding existing El Al tickets will be prioritized for rescue flights.
At this stage, no new tickets can be purchased for departures through March 21, or until all existing ticket holders have been accommodated. Passengers whose flights were canceled are entitled to a refund or a credit voucher. The airline stressed that, for now, there is no need for customers to reroute through alternative global destinations.