Low-cost airline EasyJet announced on Friday it will resume flights to Israel starting June 1, 2025. A day earlier, the Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, said it will gradually resume flights to and from Tel Aviv starting February 1, 2025.
"This is very encouraging news, as Lufthansa encompasses five airlines, meaning numerous direct destinations are opening at once,” said Eshet Tours deputy CEO Shirley Cohen Orkaby. “Lufthansa's return signifies a positive sentiment following the signing of the cease-fire and paves the way for other major airlines to return to Israel.
“It also significantly enhances the offerings for connecting flights to the U.S. and other distant destinations,” she added.
Irish low-cost giant Ryanair recently announced it will resume operating a full summer schedule of flights to and from Israel. This comes after its last landing at Ben Gurion Airport in February 2024.
Ynet checked the cost of flights with the Lufthansa Group in February when flights resume, compared to Israeli airline El Al:
A flight to Frankfurt between February 20 and 26 with Lufthansa starts at $326 per passenger. With El Al, prices start at $347. A flight to Vienna between February 4 and 11 with Austrian Airlines starts at $289 per passenger. With El Al, prices start at $348. With low-cost airline Wizz Air, prices start at $263 per passenger between February 5 and 11.
We also checked the cost of flights for Passover in April, a holiday in which many Israelis enjoy flying abroad. A round-trip flight to Frankfurt with Lufthansa between April 11 and 16 starts at $545. With El Al between April 10 and 15, prices start at $687.
A round-trip flight to Munich with El Al between April 10 and 16 starts at $606 per passenger. With Lufthansa prices start at $658. A round-trip flight to Vienna with Austrian Airlines between April 10 and 15 starts at $553 per passenger. With El Al prices start at $620. With Wizz Air prices start at $772 between April 11 and 16.
Prices for Friday and Saturday flights with Lufthansa in February were higher compared to El Al, which offers fixed prices for four destinations. For Frankfurt, El Al charges $350 round-trip. According to Ynet’s findings, flights to Frankfurt with Lufthansa in February on Fridays and Saturdays range from $487 to $1,153 for a round-trip ticket.
Many airlines have not yet resumed flights to Israel. The travel industry anticipates announcements from major airlines like Air France, British Airways, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Air India, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Air Baltic and Iberia Express.
On Sunday, Israeli airline Israir announced it would launch three new destinations in the spring and summer of 2025: Vilnius, Basel and Debrecen in Hungary. Starting June 10, the airline will fly weekly on Tuesdays to Basel, Switzerland. Ticket prices start at $424 per person. A vacation package including a flight and a 7-night hotel stay starts at $1,035 per person.
Debrecen in Hungary, with flights operating twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays starting April 24, is priced starting at $396 per person. Vilnius in Lithuania, with flights operating twice a week on Sundays and Thursdays starting April 24, is priced starting at $245 per person.
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"Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city, lies on the River Koros in the country's east. It's known for its rich culture, shopping, parks and spas, as well as the restored synagogue commemorating the once-thriving Jewish community,” Israir said in a statement.
“Vilnius offers a blend of culture, history and a vibrant urban atmosphere. Kosher travelers will find kosher restaurants, hotels and synagogues,” the airline added.
Last week, Israeli tour operator Aviation Links announced it will expand its destinations in Greece for the upcoming summer, introducing two new locations: Volos, a port city at the foothills of Mount Pelion and the island of Skiathos, famously featured in the movie "Mamma Mia." Flights to these destinations will be operated by Arkia Airlines.