Air Haifa Launches New Eilat Route With Introductory Fares
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
The airline will initially operate two daily flights, increasing to three in November, and has set prices for checked baggage that nearly match the flight cost. This move introduces more competition on the domestic route, impacting airlines like Israir and Arkia, which have seen shifts in passenger numbers.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Introductory fares for the new route start at 79 shekels one-way.
- Adding checked baggage on Air Haifa flights will cost 77 shekels, almost matching the flight price.
- The new route intensifies competition with Israir and Arkia on domestic flights.
- Air Haifa has flown approximately 600,000 passengers since starting operations.
- Bluebird Airways is extending its flights to Crete into the fall and winter seasons.
The introductory fare is 79 shekels one-way. Initially, the airline will operate two flights daily in each direction, increasing to three flights per day in November. The ticket price includes a carry-on bag, with options to add a trolley for an additional 49 shekels or a checked suitcase for 77 shekels, making the cost of adding a suitcase nearly equivalent to the flight price itself.
This new route comes as Israir, which won a tender from the Civil Aviation Authority three months ago, operates eight daily flights on the Natbag-Eilat line for a maximum of 99 shekels one-way. Israir began these subsidized flights in August, with at least 40 seats per flight allocated to Eilat residents. Air Haifa's current introductory price is lower, even without state subsidies, though it is noted that these are promotional fares and future pricing remains to be seen.
The increased competition is already impacting passenger numbers. In September, Israir transported approximately 26,000 passengers on domestic flights, up from about 17,000 last year. Conversely, Arkia's domestic passenger numbers dropped to around 29,000 in September, compared to approximately 40,000 during the same month last year. The entry of Air Haifa with its low marketing prices is expected to further influence these trends.
The launch of the new route coincides with Air Haifa's upcoming second anniversary of operations. Since beginning service in September 2024, the airline has flown about 600,000 passengers on roughly 10,000 flights. In August, Air Haifa set a monthly record, carrying approximately 61,000 passengers on about 880 flights.
This expansion marks a new development for international travel from Israel.
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