Published on
December 30, 2025
Israel’s leading airlines, including Arkia, Blue Bird, and TUS Airways, are set to revolutionize summer 2026 travel by launching bold new routes to iconic global destinations such as Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Uzbekistan. These exciting additions will not only expand travel options for passengers but also enhance connectivity, making it easier than ever to explore some of the most sought-after locations in Europe and Central Asia. The move is a significant step in reinforcing Israel’s role as a key player in global aviation and tourism.
As winter continues to dominate, with only a few days remaining in 2025, the focus is already shifting toward 2026. As the year draws to a close, airlines are already making plans for the upcoming summer season. This is the time when flight schedules are released, unveiling new routes, extra flights, and more seats for travelers, especially for peak travel periods.
Israel’s largest airline, El Al, has recently unveiled its summer 2026 schedule, offering an impressive 900 weekly flights to over 50 destinations worldwide. The airline’s expansion plans include operating 55 weekly flights to North America, marking the largest-ever presence on the continent for El Al. As part of this expansion, three additional weekly flights will be added to New York (both JFK and Newark), increasing the total to seven daily flights. Another flight will also be added to Miami, improving service to the U.S.
El Al is strengthening its Tokyo route, which became a year-round service in early 2024 due to strong demand. The airline plans to operate up to five weekly flights during the peak season, using its largest Dreamliner aircraft, which will allow the airline to offer more seats. This move comes as part of the airline’s strategy to meet the growing demand for flights to Asia.
Meanwhile, Italy continues to be one of the most popular European destinations for Israeli travelers, with El Al planning up to 17 weekly flights to Rome and Milan. Additionally, Venice will see an increase, with five weekly flights, and El Al’s subsidiary, Sun d’Or, will introduce a new route to Naples with three weekly flights. These new routes will provide more options for those heading to Italy, further solidifying the country’s appeal to Israeli travelers.
The airline is also expanding its Amsterdam route. All morning flights to the Dutch capital will be operated on wide-body aircraft during the summer of 2026. This expansion is expected to result in a significant increase in seat availability and provide a more upgraded flight experience for passengers traveling to the popular European hub.
Portugal remains a sought-after destination, with El Al continuing to operate six weekly flights to Lisbon and two to Porto. The airline is also increasing its service to Budapest with 14 weekly flights and to Munich with up to 11. High-frequency service will continue to popular destinations such as Paris and London, with 27 and 22 weekly flights, respectively, ensuring that Israeli travelers have convenient options for travel to major cities.
Israir is also preparing for a busy summer season in 2026, with an expanded roster of destinations and new routes. The airline is launching two new Italian destinations: Bari, with two weekly flights starting in May, and Bologna, also with two weekly flights beginning in May. These new routes are part of Israir’s broader plan to strengthen its European and Mediterranean offerings.
In addition to its new Italian routes, Israir will also introduce several other exciting destinations. Düsseldorf will be added to the airline’s schedule, with two weekly flights starting in May. Similarly, Heraklion, located on the Greek island of Crete, will see six weekly flights beginning in April, providing travelers with a convenient option for visiting the Mediterranean island. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will also join Israir’s network with four weekly flights starting in May, making it easier for Israeli tourists to visit this Central Asian destination.
Arkia is another Israeli airline rolling out new routes for the summer 2026 season. The airline will introduce direct flights to Málaga, Spain, marking its first-ever service to this popular destination. Arkia will also resume flights to Ibiza, a route it operated until October 2023. Flights to Málaga will be offered weekly on Tuesdays from July to October, while flights to Ibiza will operate twice a week on Sundays and Thursdays from July to the end of August.
Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol region, is known for its beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and vibrant nightlife, making it a top destination for summer travelers. Ibiza, on the other hand, is famous for being one of Europe’s most popular party destinations, attracting tourists from all over the world. With these new routes, Arkia is ensuring that Israeli travelers have easy access to some of Spain’s most exciting summer hotspots.
Among foreign carriers, several small and mid-sized airlines are also expanding their operations in Israel this summer, particularly for short-haul routes to popular European destinations. Greek airline Blue Bird Airways, owned by Israeli tour operator Kavei Hofsha, will add flights to Munich with services on Tuesdays and Saturdays, starting at €152 one way. The airline will also operate flights to Chania on the island of Crete, with fares starting at €99 for services on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Cypriot airline TUS Airways, also owned by Kavei Hofsha, will introduce two new family-friendly routes in 2026. Flights to Bologna, Italy, will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting at €135 one way. TUS Airways will also introduce flights to Naples, with the same schedule and fares starting at €143. These routes offer convenient options for families looking to explore Italy.
Israeli airlines, including Arkia, Blue Bird, and TUS Airways, are revolutionizing summer 2026 travel with new routes to destinations like Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Uzbekistan, enhancing connectivity and offering more travel options for global explorers.
As summer 2026 approaches, airlines are continuing to adapt to the increasing demand for travel, offering new and exciting routes to destinations across the globe. Whether it’s exploring the cultural riches of Italy, relaxing on the beaches of Spain, or venturing further afield to new destinations like Tashkent, Israeli travelers can look forward to more choices and greater convenience when planning their summer vacations.
