Flight Prices for 2026 Holidays Drop Significantly Compared to 2025 Amid Return of Foreign Airlines

Flight prices for the 2026 Jewish High Holidays are showing notable decreases compared to 2025, with some destinations experiencing drops of up to 37%. This trend follows a challenging year in the aviation sector marked by limited flight availability and soaring prices. The gradual return of foreign airlines to Israel has increased seat availability and revived competition, contributing to these price reductions.

Data from Israeli travel agencies reveal significant price declines in popular destinations. For example, London holiday packages during Sukkot are approximately 27% cheaper than last year, while Budapest saw a 37% price drop. Other European destinations such as Crete and Vienna also experienced moderate decreases. New York flights during Rosh Hashanah are down by about $888, with a 57% price reduction during Sukkot compared to 2025. Flights to Larnaca and Prague have also become more affordable.

Long-haul destinations like Bangkok still maintain relatively high prices but have seen slight decreases compared to the previous year. According to Goliver, the average price for holiday packages to the top ten destinations dropped by 2.4%, with notable reductions in Budapest, Baku, Crete, and Batumi, the latter being the most popular holiday spot this year.

Goliver also reports that around 42% of Israelis booking holiday packages prefer all-inclusive hotels. There is a renewed interest in Mediterranean, Eastern European, and New York destinations, contrasting with last year’s preference for more distant locations like Bangkok. Many Israelis are booking earlier this year to take advantage of lower prices before potential increases later in the season.

The relatively low US dollar exchange rate is also encouraging earlier bookings, further supporting the trend of more affordable holiday travel for Israelis in 2026 compared to 2025.