Arkia Launches Direct Flights to Madeira, Cristiano Ronaldo's Birthplace

Israeli airline Arkia has launched its first direct flight route from Tel Aviv to Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean. The new service, operated in partnership with Millennium, aims to significantly shorten travel time to the popular destination, which is known for its natural beauty, cliffs, and landscapes. Previously, reaching Madeira required a connecting flight, making the journey more complex.

The inaugural flight utilized an Airbus A321 and took approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes. The plane landed at Madeira International Airport, which is named after the island's famous native son, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The airport is known for its operational challenges, requiring pilots to undergo specialized training, which Arkia's pilots have completed.

Initially, three direct flights per week will operate to Madeira. Arkia plans to expand its operations to the island, offering more flights to the Israeli public. Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago, features hiking trails, picturesque towns, and a pleasant climate for most of the year, with its capital being Funchal.

This new route follows Arkia's recent expansion into other destinations, including the Philippines, New York, Thailand, and Vietnam.