Israel Expands Direct Flights to Unexpected European and Central Asian Cities

As many Israeli travelers continue to flock to popular destinations like Athens, Cyprus, and the United States, the range of direct flights from Israel is broadening to include more surprising and authentic cities. Despite some airlines not yet resuming operations in Israel, several carriers now offer direct flights to diverse destinations that combine culture, cuisine, nature, and unique experiences. Tamar Garzon, CEO of Gulliver, highlights that more Israelis seek new destinations beyond the usual tourist spots, enabled by the expanding direct flight options.

Among the notable new direct flight destinations are Malaga, Spain, known for its Andalusian charm, beaches, and cultural sites; Bologna, Italy, famed for its culinary heritage and historic university; and Vilnius, Lithuania, with its UNESCO-listed old town and vibrant cultural scene. Montenegro’s coastal town of Tivat offers a luxurious marina and natural beauty, while Copenhagen, Denmark, is celebrated for its Scandinavian design, Michelin-starred restaurants, and bike-friendly urban life.

Further afield, Tashkent in Uzbekistan provides a gateway to Central Asia’s Silk Road heritage with a mix of modern and historic architecture. Riga, Latvia, stands out with its Art Nouveau architecture and classic European atmosphere, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Flight prices vary, with some starting as low as $250 for Tivat and up to around $1,061 for Riga, depending on travel dates and airlines such as Arkia, Tus Airways, Wizz Air, El Al, Uzbekistan Airways, and Air Baltic.

These new routes offer Israeli travelers the chance to explore less conventional destinations with direct flights, making travel planning simpler and opening doors to fresh cultural experiences beyond the well-trodden paths of Greece and Cyprus.