Israel to Launch Direct Flights to Bhutan and Rovaniemi This Winter

Israel is set to expand its direct flight destinations this coming winter with the addition of two unique locations: Bhutan in the Himalayas and Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. Travel company Caminos announced it will operate five organized tours to Bhutan from February to mid-March 2027, utilizing Bhutan Airlines' Airbus A320 aircraft. These approximately seven-hour flights will carry around 110 passengers each, with tours limited to small groups of up to 16 travelers. Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom, maintains a policy of controlled tourism, requiring visitors to pay a daily fee of $100, which is included in the tour package along with the visa. The Paro International Airport in Bhutan is situated among the Himalayas, and only specially trained pilots are permitted to land there. The eight-day Caminos tours, priced at $5,395 per person for a double occupancy, include full board and five-star accommodations. Shagit Kleinr, VP Marketing at Caminos, stated the company aims to "make one of the world's most mysterious and protected kingdoms accessible" through direct flights from Israel, with further plans for Bhutanese tours by late 2027.

In parallel, Kesher Te'ufa announced the resumption of direct charter flights from Israel to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, starting January 27, 2027. These flights will be operated by an unnamed Israeli airline. The company will offer organized tours featuring activities like viewing the Northern Lights, reindeer and husky sledding, snowmobiling, and icebreaker cruises. Some itineraries will extend to Oulu in northern Finland. Packages including flights and hotels start at €2,779 per person for a six-night stay, while organized tours range from €3,430 to over €4,000. Nir Mazor, VP Marketing at Kesher Te'ufa, noted the expansion of routes, accommodation options, and independent packages this year.