Bluebird Airways Launches Year-Round Direct Flights to Crete
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Bluebird Airways has launched year-round direct flights from Tel Aviv to Heraklion, Crete, with one-way fares starting at 65 euros. The airline is extending its service into the autumn and winter seasons for the first time, offering city break experiences and weekend vacation packages. These flights aim to provide convenient travel for tourists and the growing Israeli community in Crete, who previously faced longer journeys.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Bluebird Airways now offers year-round direct flights from Tel Aviv to Heraklion, Crete.
- Flights will operate during autumn and winter for the first time, starting at 65 euros one-way.
- Kovy Hufsha Group is offering weekend vacation packages starting from 299 euros for two nights in a five-star hotel.
- Heraklion is promoted as a city break destination with attractions beyond summer beach holidays.
- The new route will benefit the Israeli community and business professionals living or working in Crete.
- The airline aims to make tourism and aviation a 12-month-a-year activity.
Fares for these flights start at 65 euros one-way.
Heraklion, often seen as a gateway to summer vacations in Crete, offers a city break experience during the cooler months. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant pedestrian street, traditional Greek tavernas, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping centers featuring international fashion brands, all at prices considered attractive compared to Israel.
Kovy Hufsha Group will market vacation packages based on these direct flights, including "weekend" deals with departures on Thursdays and returns on Saturday evenings. These packages, starting at 299 euros per person, include two nights in a five-star hotel and will be sold through the group's booking websites and travel agents across Israel.
The availability of five-star hotels in the city center, such as the Aquila Atlantis, located within walking distance of entertainment, shopping, and attractions, makes Heraklion a viable alternative to traditional weekend trips to European capitals, offering a short flight, central accommodation, and accessible pricing.
Beyond tourism, the year-round direct flights are expected to benefit the growing Israeli community in Crete, as well as real estate developers and business professionals operating there. Previously, many relied on connecting flights through Athens for travel to and from Israel during winter, a situation the new direct route aims to alleviate.
Kovy Hufsha Group stated their commitment to developing new destinations and providing year-round travel opportunities for Israelis, not just during summer. They are actively exploring new routes and expanding operations into traditionally less popular tourist seasons, highlighting Heraklion as a prime example of a lively city with excellent hotels, cuisine, shopping, and a Greek atmosphere suitable for more than just beach holidays. The group emphasized that tourism and aviation are 12-month-a-year activities and they will continue to broaden destination options and accessible travel packages.
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