Arkia Launches Direct Flights From Israel to Madeira

Arkia Airlines has launched its first-ever direct flight route from Tel Aviv to Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Previously, Israeli travelers typically required a layover in Europe to reach the destination. The inaugural flight, operated in partnership with Millennium, utilized an Arkia Airbus A321 and had a flight time of approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Initially, the service will be limited to three direct flights, with Arkia planning to expand operations and offer more flights to Madeira for public booking in the future. This new route is part of Arkia's broader strategy to broaden its network, which includes recently resumed direct flights to Marrakech and the expansion of long-haul operations with an additional Airbus A330-300 entering service for routes like New York.

The primary advantage of the direct flight is the significantly reduced travel time, making the journey simpler, especially for organized tours and short vacations. The initial limited operation will allow Arkia and Millennium to gauge demand for Madeira as a destination before potentially increasing flight frequency.

Madeira, known for its mountainous landscapes, cliffs, hiking trails, and mild climate, is an autonomous region of Portugal. Flights land at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, located on the eastern coast of the island. Due to specific operational conditions at the airport, including potential wind variations, commercial flights are subject to special requirements for flight crews, including minimum flight hours and specific training.

The initial three flights will serve as a test for demand. If Arkia decides to expand the service and offer regular bookings, Madeira could become a more accessible direct destination from Tel Aviv, moving beyond its previous status as a destination requiring connections.