Average flight prices rose by 24% between the beginning of the year and the end of May, according to data from SkyGini. The destination that recorded the sharpest increase was Varna, Bulgaria, where average ticket prices jumped by 122%, followed by Bucharest at 119%, Sofia at 100%, Dubai at 99%, Paris and Milan at 71%, Larnaca at 64%, Thessaloniki at 53%, Berlin at 49%, and Budapest at 45%. In contrast, flight prices to Amsterdam and Crete declined by 12% and 10% respectively.
According to the company’s estimates, flight prices for the upcoming summer season are expected to rise by an average of 3%. However, during the Tishrei holiday period (September 11, to October 4), prices are projected to increase by as much as 22%. The company explains that the anticipated rise is largely driven by the current reduction in the number of airlines operating in Israel. At the same time, renewed airline activity depending on the security situation, alongside the impact of the strong shekel and last minute promotions, could help narrow the gap and potentially create attractive travel deals.
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Impact of the strong shekel and last minute promotions, could help narrow the gap and potentially create attractive travel deals
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Israeli travelers are also increasingly prioritizing flexibility and security when booking vacations. Between January and May, the number of bookings that included flexible cancellation options allowing cancellation up to six hours before departure with refunds of up to 90% increased fivefold. Additional services considered important by Israeli travelers include checked baggage at 23%, carry on luggage at 16%, upgrades to business or first class at 14%, and advance seat selection at 5%.
The composition of vacations is also shifting, with Israelis increasingly choosing to travel alone or as couples. 41% of bookings are made by solo travelers, 40% by couples, and only 19% by families or larger groups. Israelis are also continuing to embrace last minute travel habits: one third of all bookings are finalized within a week of departure, 41% are booked between eight and forty days before the flight, and only 11% are made more than two months in advance.
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41% of bookings are made by solo travelers, 40% by couples, and only 19% by families or larger groups
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Destinations: Dubai and Asia surge while demand for Georgia declines
The data also indicates a shift in Israeli travel patterns. Demand for nearby destinations such as Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Hungary has remained relatively stable, while bookings to the United Arab Emirates including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, North America, and Asian destinations such as Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam are seeing strong growth. Demand for vacations in major European capitals including Paris, London, and Madrid has remained steady, while interest in Georgia and Azerbaijan has declined.
The figures further suggest that Israelis are rediscovering destinations such as Munich, Krakow, Catania in Sicily, Geneva, Zurich, and Salzburg, all of which are experiencing notable increases in demand.