Israir Launches Direct Flights to Madrid as Romanian Animawings Resumes Israel Route

Israeli airline Israir announced it will start direct flights to Madrid, Spain, beginning October 25. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, departing from Ben Gurion Airport in the early afternoon with return flights landing late at night. Round-trip tickets will start at $340 per person.

Meanwhile, Romanian carrier Animawings is set to resume flights between Bucharest and Ben Gurion Airport starting tomorrow, after suspending the route at the onset of Israel’s recent military operation "Operation Roaring Lion." Animawings will also operate three weekly flights on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays until October 4, 2026. This marks a restoration of air links between Israel and Romania, which have been intermittently halted due to security concerns. Previously, Israeli airlines El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air mainly served this route.

The return of Animawings is expected to increase seat availability amid strong demand for flights between Israel and Eastern Europe. Competition among airlines may influence ticket prices and flight frequency during the upcoming holiday season and beyond.

Additionally, American carrier United Airlines plans to resume flights to Israel on September 8, operating two daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights from Ben Gurion Airport. United had suspended flights following the conflict with Iran in late February. Initial ticket prices start at $1,117 one-way, with some classes already sold out. Delta Airlines is also expected to restart flights to Israel in September.