Israelis Favor Albania, Cyprus, and US Cities for Travel in 2026
As 2026 draws to a close, travel data from Israel's Airport Authority and travel companies reveals significant shifts in Israeli travel habits. While traditional destinations remain popular, several new locations have seen a notable surge in Israeli visitors.
Tirana, Albania, has emerged as the fastest-growing destination, with passenger numbers more than doubling, an increase exceeding 100%. Paphos, Cyprus, followed with a growth of over 55%, and Miami, USA, saw an increase of more than 27%.
Other destinations experiencing growth include Abu Dhabi in the UAE, with over 14% more passengers, and Bangkok, Thailand, which saw an increase of over 10%. These emerging destinations complement the enduring popularity of established favorites such as Athens, Dubai, Larnaca, New York, Paris, and Rome.
Dubai continues to be a major hub for Israeli travelers, even serving as a transit point for onward flights, despite ongoing regional security tensions. The data suggests Israelis are prioritizing accessible destinations with relatively short travel times, focusing on city breaks, family vacations, shopping, and beach holidays.
The travel landscape in 2026 showcases a blend of consistently popular locations and destinations experiencing rapid expansion, with Tirana, Paphos, and Miami leading the growth charts, while Athens, Dubai, Larnaca, New York, Paris, and Rome maintain their strong appeal.
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