Arkia Cancels Tel Aviv-Baku Flights Until Spring 2027 Due to Low Demand

Israeli airline Arkia has decided to temporarily suspend its direct flights between Tel Aviv and Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 16, 2026, until the end of March 2027. The suspension of the route, which previously operated three times a week, is attributed to the traditional seasonal decline in passenger traffic during the winter months. This decision was reported by "Israel Hayom."

Arkia is also facing operational challenges on other international routes. The airline had previously been forced to cancel the launch of flights to Tokyo after Japanese aviation authorities denied approval for the use of a leased aircraft with a foreign crew. Additionally, Arkia, along with Israir and Sun d'Or, has halted ticket sales to Marrakech following updated directives from Israeli security services. Sun d'Or, in particular, has postponed its flights to Morocco until at least mid-December.

Globally, major airlines are experiencing a sharp rise in expenses, leading to increased ticket prices. U.S. carriers like United, American, and Southwest have revised their profitability forecasts due to escalating aviation fuel costs, driven by instability in the global oil market. Southwest, for instance, saw its quarterly fuel expenses increase by nearly a billion dollars. This trend, initially affecting domestic U.S. flights, is now impacting international routes. The situation is further exacerbated by a crisis among budget airlines, where the exit of major players reduces competition and allows remaining carriers to raise fares. Experts anticipate high fuel prices to persist at least through 2027, advising Israeli travelers to budget for potential increases in airfare costs.