For the first time, an Israeli airline will operate regular nonstop flights to Iceland. Arkia announced Sunday the launch of its 2027 flight schedule, featuring 40 destinations worldwide, including five new routes. Alongside Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, the list includes Manila in the Philippines, a destination for which the airline has already announced direct flights.
To mark the launch of the new schedule, Arkia is offering a 20% discount on flights and vacation packages to all its international destinations, including peak travel periods such as Passover, summer vacation and the Jewish High Holidays. The promotion runs through November 3 and applies to flights and vacations throughout most of 2027.
The most notable development in Arkia's announcement is the new route to Reykjavik. Direct flights between Israel and Iceland have operated in the past, including services by Icelandair, but this will be the first time an Israeli airline has operated regular nonstop flights to the country. The new route is expected to launch in June 2027.
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is considered one of the world's most spectacular nature destinations. Active volcanoes, vast glaciers, powerful waterfalls, geysers, black-sand beaches and hot springs are just some of the attractions the island offers. In recent years, it has also become increasingly popular among Israeli travelers, who currently have to reach it via connecting flights through Europe.
Direct flights to Iceland's capital, Reykjavik
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
(Photo: Shutterstock)
So how much will the new nonstop flight cost? A price check conducted by ynet found round-trip tickets to Reykjavik for travel between June 29 and July 13, 2027, starting at $798 per passenger, excluding a carry-on suitcase. The fare already includes the 20% promotional discount.
New route to the Philippines: How much does it cost to fly to Manila?
Another notable destination is Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Arkia announced the nonstop route back in September, with flights expected to begin in January 2027.
The new service is a significant development for Israeli travelers planning trips to the Philippines, who until now have generally had to connect through other destinations in Asia or the Gulf.
Boracay Island in the Phillipines
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Under the promotion, Arkia is offering round-trip flights to Manila between January 3 and January 25 starting at $1,358 per passenger, including a carry-on suitcase and checked baggage.
Three additional new destinations on the 2027 schedule are Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where flights will begin in March 2027; Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, where service will launch in April; and Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Estonia's capital, Tallinn
(Photo: Xseon / Shutterstock)
A round-trip flight to Tallinn between April 1 and April 8 starts at $614 per passenger, excluding a carry-on suitcase. For Sarajevo, the airline is offering round-trip tickets starting at $454 per passenger, also excluding a carry-on suitcase. No sample fare was provided for the new Yerevan route during the price check.
Greece and Cyprus: Flights for under $200
Alongside the new destinations, the promotion includes popular routes to Greece and Cyprus, where round-trip tickets can be found at significantly lower prices than those for long-haul destinations.
For example, round-trip flights to Larnaca between May 2 and May 5 start at $163 per passenger, while flights to Paphos between May 23 and May 27 start at $181. A flight to Thessaloniki between May 8 and May 15 starts at $180, while round-trip tickets to Athens between April 12 and April 15 start at $247.
Travelers planning a late-summer vacation in the Greek islands can also find discounted fares. Round-trip flights to Heraklion, Crete, between September 7 and September 14 start at $247 per passenger, while flights to Mykonos between September 11 and September 15 start at $262. None of the Greece and Cyprus fares listed include a carry-on suitcase.
Other fares found during the price check include round-trip flights to Tbilisi, Georgia, between June 6 and June 10 starting at $270 per passenger, and flights to Tirana, Albania, between August 15 and August 20 starting at $320. These prices also exclude a carry-on suitcase.
What about the Seychelles, Thailand and New York?
Arkia's promotion also applies to its long-haul routes. For example, round-trip flights to Mahé in the Seychelles between July 7 and July 14 start at $798 per passenger, including a carry-on suitcase and checked baggage.
Anse Source d'Argent Beach, La Digue Island, Seychelles
(Photo: Frederick Millett / Shutterstock)
In Thailand, the airline is offering round-trip tickets to Phuket between April 5 and April 13 starting at $1,282 per passenger, while flights to Bangkok between April 4 and April 15 start at $1,399. Both fares include a carry-on suitcase and checked baggage.
New York is also included in the promotion. A round-trip flight between July 22 and July 29, during the peak summer vacation period, starts at $1,550 per passenger, including a carry-on suitcase and checked baggage.
What travelers should know about the promotion
Arkia's discount promotion began Sunday, October 18, and will end November 3, 2026. It offers 20% off flights and vacation packages to all 40 of the airline's international destinations, for departures between January 1 and October 25, 2027. The discount also applies during particularly popular travel periods, including Passover, summer vacation and the Jewish High Holidays.
All prices listed in this article are starting fares per passenger for round-trip travel, after the discount has been applied. Fares are subject to availability and may change depending on the booking date and ticket conditions. The promotion is valid for bookings made through Arkia's website and customer service center. Domestic flights are excluded.
Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz said the decision to open the flight schedule almost a year in advance reflects a shift from short-term seasonal planning toward broader year-round operations. "We want to allow passengers to plan ahead, choose from a wide range of destinations and enjoy attractive prices even during the busiest travel periods of the year," he said.