Israel – Air Travel

What is the quality of domestic air travel in Israel, and which routes and airports are covered?

Israel’s territory is relatively small — broadly comparable in size to Wales or the US state of New Jersey — which limits the scope for a significant domestic aviation market. Unlike larger countries such as Australia, the United States, or even Spain, where internal flights are a practical necessity for many journeys, ground transport in Israel can cover most inter-city trips within a few hours. Domestic flights therefore cater to routes where driving or taking a train is either inconvenient or simply less appealing.

The core scheduled domestic routes run between Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion) and Eilat, and between Haifa and Eilat, with each flight lasting approximately one hour. Eilat’s position at the southernmost tip of the Negev desert — on the border with both Jordan and Egypt — makes it the most logical candidate for air travel within Israel. While a car journey from Tel Aviv to Eilat can be done in roughly three hours under clear conditions, summer heat and busy roads often tip the balance in favour of flying.

Ramon Airport, which serves the Eilat region, wrapped up 2025 handling around 750,000 passengers, with approximately 742,000 of those travelling on domestic services to and from Tel Aviv and Haifa. This is a modest total by the standards of European or North American airports, reflecting the reality that domestic air travel in Israel fills a niche role rather than underpinning everyday movement across the country. Most expats based in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or other central locations will find they have little need for internal flights as part of routine daily life.

By way of comparison, internal networks in large countries like the US or Australia are woven into the fabric of everyday life, linking dozens of cities with frequent services. Israel’s domestic market more closely resembles that of a compact European country such as Portugal or Denmark, where internal flights serve a limited number of peripheral or geographically awkward destinations to supplement the surface transport network.

Which carriers serve Israel’s domestic routes, and is budget flying an option?

Israel’s national flag carrier, EL AL Israel Airlines, focuses exclusively on international operations, leaving all domestic flying to a smaller group of carriers. Arkia Israeli Airlines and Israir are the two established domestic operators, both based at Ben Gurion Airport and offering scheduled services to Eilat. A newer entrant, airHaifa, has added competition — particularly on the Haifa–Eilat corridor.

airHaifa is Israel’s most recently established airline and serves as the country’s budget carrier. It connects Haifa Airport with Eilat domestically and also flies internationally to Greece and Cyprus. The airline operates three ATR 72-600 aircraft, making it one of the smallest players in the Israeli market, yet it has meaningfully shaken up pricing on the routes it covers.

Collectively, Arkia and airHaifa account for more than 65% of domestic flights in Israel. This concentration stands in contrast to heavily liberalised aviation markets — such as the EU or the US — where large numbers of carriers compete on popular internal corridors. The limited competition on Israeli domestic routes has historically kept prices relatively high, though airHaifa’s arrival has introduced genuine budget-style pressure on the Haifa–Eilat sector.

Across Israel’s international and domestic operations combined, 66 airlines serve the country, of which 15 are low-cost carriers. However, the vast majority of these operate only international services. On domestic routes, the choice remains essentially between Arkia, Israir, and airHaifa. Israel’s competition authority has previously raised concerns that EL AL exploited a dominant market position to impose excessive fares during intervals of reduced international competition — a reminder that actively comparing prices across all available carriers is always worthwhile before booking.

How can you book a domestic flight in Israel, and which platforms are available?

Reserving a domestic flight in Israel is a fairly uncomplicated process that follows familiar patterns used in most other countries. The most direct approach is to visit the carriers’ own websites: Arkia, Israir, and airHaifa all offer booking in both Hebrew and English, and purchasing directly through the airline typically provides the clearest information on fares and baggage allowances.

Comparison tools such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak include Israeli domestic routes in their search results and make it easy to see prices across carriers at a glance. Third-party booking platforms including Alternative Airlines and similar aggregators also list these services. Because the number of routes and airlines is small, running a quick check across all three airline websites directly rarely takes more than a few minutes and remains the most reliable method for confirming final prices.

Online check-in is generally unavailable for domestic Israeli flights, so passengers are expected to check in at the airport. Check-in desks typically open two hours ahead of the scheduled departure and close 90 minutes before the flight. This differs from the seamless online check-in processes that travellers from larger markets may be accustomed to, so building extra time into your airport visit is important.

Because capacity on domestic routes is limited, early booking is advisable — particularly for travel to Eilat during high-demand periods such as Jewish holidays, school breaks, and the Israeli summer. During peak windows, last-minute seats can be scarce and prices rise sharply. Travel agents in Israel can also arrange bookings, especially when a domestic leg forms part of a broader international itinerary.

How much do domestic flights cost in Israel, and what should expats set aside?

Domestic fares in Israel fluctuate considerably based on the season, lead time, and which airline you choose. As an approximate guide for 2024–2025, one-way tickets on the Tel Aviv–Eilat route can be found from around 100–150 NIS (roughly USD 27–40) during promotional periods, though prices during peak demand can climb to several hundred NIS. These figures are indicative only — check airline websites directly for accurate current pricing, as fares change frequently.

A number of structural factors push fares upward on Israeli domestic routes. The market is small, with only a handful of carriers sharing a limited flight schedule. Periods of heightened security tensions have resulted in foreign airlines withdrawing from Israeli skies, causing prices across the board to spike dramatically and creating considerable uncertainty for travellers trying to plan ahead. Even during calmer periods, significant price increases are predictable around Passover, Rosh Hashanah, the summer school holiday window (July–August), and the Hanukkah winter break for both domestic and international services.

Baggage policies differ depending on the carrier and fare type. airHaifa’s lowest-priced tickets generally cover hand luggage only, with checked bags attracting an additional charge. Arkia and Israir each offer a range of fare bundles; it is essential to verify what is included before completing a purchase. For current pricing information, consult Arkia, Israir, and airHaifa directly.

Expats who expect to visit Eilat regularly — whether for leisure or professional reasons — should factor flight costs into their ongoing budget and make a habit of booking well in advance to avoid paying inflated last-minute fares.

What are Israel’s main international airports, and which matter most to expats?

Ben Gurion International Airport (IATA: TLV, ICAO: LLBG) is Israel’s principal international gateway, situated north of the city of Lod, roughly 45 kilometres northwest of Jerusalem and 20 kilometres southeast of Tel Aviv. It is the airport that nearly every expat will use when entering or leaving the country on international services.

Ben Gurion functions as a hub for EL AL, Israir, and Arkia, and is administered by the Israel Airports Authority. In 2024, the airport processed 14.5 million passengers, placing it among the busiest airports across the Middle East. According to the Israel Airports Authority, international passenger numbers at Ben Gurion climbed to over 18.6 million in 2025 — a 33% increase on the prior year.

The airport sits conveniently between Israel’s two main cities — approximately 20 minutes from Tel Aviv and around 45 minutes from Jerusalem by road. Train services connecting Ben Gurion to major cities across Israel provide one of the fastest and most practical ways to reach the airport, and can be accessed directly from the terminal. Taxis, ride-hailing apps including Gett and Yango, and rental car desks in the arrivals area are also readily available.

Ramon Airport, located near Eilat in the south, acts as an alternate facility for Ben Gurion and handles domestic services as well as occasional international charter and scheduled flights into the Eilat region. Expats based in or travelling to Eilat will find Ramon Airport the relevant hub for local connections. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has actively promoted direct international routes into Ramon to stimulate tourism in the southern region.

Haifa Airport supports a small number of scheduled domestic services operated by Israir and airHaifa. While it is unlikely to function as a primary international entry point for most expats, it offers a convenient shortcut for residents of Haifa and the northern Galilee region who want to fly to Eilat without first travelling south to Ben Gurion.

Under normal operating circumstances, Ben Gurion offers direct transatlantic services from New York (JFK and Newark), Miami, and Los Angeles, principally through EL AL, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. European connections span roughly 60 international carriers under normal conditions, with frequent daily services to major hubs including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Rome.

What rules, restrictions, and practical considerations apply at Israeli airports?

Ben Gurion International Airport is widely regarded as one of the most secure aviation facilities anywhere in the world. Security begins before passengers even enter the terminal building, with vehicles checked at perimeter gates on approach. Both uniformed officers and plainclothes security personnel operate throughout the facility, and the overall security process is comprehensive and layered. Expats should factor this into their planning from the outset.

Arriving at least three hours before an international departure is strongly advised to allow adequate time for security procedures. Passengers are questioned before they can check in their luggage, bags are screened and may be physically searched, and passengers should expect to be questioned at more than one point during the process. Multiple security checks are normal at Israeli airports and do not indicate a problem — they are simply part of the system — but they do require a sensible approach to time management.

Israeli residents do not require a passport for domestic travel; a valid government-issued document such as a resident card or driving licence is accepted. Foreign nationals, however, must carry a valid passport even on domestic services. Standard immigration and customs procedures apply to all international arrivals.

On the customs side, travellers may bring in 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products, along with gifts valued up to USD 125, without needing to make a declaration. Goods exceeding these thresholds must be declared and are subject to VAT of approximately 18%. Failure to declare can result in substantial additional charges. Always verify the latest thresholds with the Israel Airports Authority and the Israeli Customs Authority before departure, as limits are subject to change.

From January 2025, Israel introduced a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization system (ETA-IL) for nationals of all visa-exempt countries. If you hold citizenship of a visa-exempt country, check whether an ETA-IL must be obtained before arriving in Israel. Full details are available through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority.

Ben Gurion Airport operates under rules that include a night curfew limiting take-off activity during certain hours. This can affect the timing of early-morning and late-night flights, so review your flight departure time carefully to understand whether it may be affected.

How does air connectivity in Israel shape everyday expat life?

For expats living in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, Jerusalem, or Haifa, domestic flights are unlikely to feature in regular daily routines. Israel Railways connects the country’s major population centres efficiently, road infrastructure is generally good, and buses are frequent and affordable. Internal flights are most relevant when visiting Eilat — whether for a short break or for work — where the time saving over a road journey can be genuinely attractive.

International air links, however, are central to expat life — particularly for those whose work involves frequent travel, who maintain strong family connections overseas, or who may need to travel at short notice in an emergency. Under normal conditions, the most popular international destinations from Ben Gurion include Greece (around 2.2 million passengers in 2025), the United States (approximately 1.6 million), and the United Arab Emirates (approximately 1.5 million). European cities are exceptionally well connected, with multiple daily flights to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Rome among others.

Israel’s security environment, however, introduces a degree of unpredictability that expats must take seriously. Ben Gurion International Airport was closed to all civilian traffic on 28 February 2026 following the commencement of Operation Roaring Lion. Airlines including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and numerous others have suspended Israel services at various points in recent years, often with minimal advance warning. Such closures and suspensions are not new occurrences, and they can persist for days or weeks.

During disrupted periods, local carriers — which are the only airlines generally continuing to operate into and out of Israel — have sometimes charged significantly inflated fares. Expats who travel internationally with any frequency should hold travel insurance covering flight disruption, keep flexible ticket options where their budget allows, and regularly check the status of Ben Gurion Airport through the Israel Airports Authority website.

Expats settled in Eilat or in other parts of the Negev may find their access to onward flights more constrained than those based in central Israel. Ramon Airport serves the area, but its international schedule is thin compared to Ben Gurion, and during disrupted periods it tends to be lower on the list of priorities when services begin to resume.

What do expats need to know about travel insurance and passenger rights when flying in Israel?

Israel operates its own passenger protection legislation. The Aviation Services Law (Compensation and Assistance Due to Flight Cancellation or Change of Conditions), 2012 — commonly known by the informal name “Tibi Law” — establishes what passengers are entitled to receive when flights are delayed, cancelled, or materially altered.

The law covers all international flights both departing from and arriving into Israel (encompassing Ben Gurion, Ramon, Haifa, and Ovda airports), connecting services, and domestic Israeli flights. Crucially, it also binds foreign airlines operating at Israeli airports, not just Israeli carriers.

Compensation amounts under the law are fixed regardless of the ticket price paid, which means that a passenger who bought a discounted seat is entitled to the same payout as one who purchased a full-price ticket. The compensation threshold is triggered by a delay of eight hours or more from the originally scheduled departure — a noticeably higher bar than the three-hour trigger familiar to those who have previously travelled under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

EU Regulation EC 261/2004 continues to offer protection for passengers on flights connecting with Europe, and in some circumstances individuals can elect to claim under whichever framework produces the more favourable outcome. Where a flight to or from Europe is delayed by between three and eight hours, EU law is likely the better avenue; where the delay exceeds eight hours on an Israeli departure or arrival, the Israeli law may in some cases deliver higher compensation, particularly where exemplary damages can be claimed.

Claims for smaller amounts — up to NIS 36,700 — can be brought in small claims court without requiring legal representation. However, there is an important exception: during periods that are officially declared national emergencies, passenger compensation rights are curtailed. Airlines that cancelled flights during certain defined conflict periods were not obligated to pay financial compensation beyond refunding the cost of the ticket. This represents a meaningful departure from the protections available in more stable aviation markets and makes comprehensive travel insurance especially important for expats in Israel.

A travel insurance policy that includes coverage for flight disruption, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation is strongly recommended for anyone residing in or travelling regularly to Israel. Standard policies often carry exclusions for conflict zones or destinations subject to government travel warnings; read the small print carefully and consider specialist expatriate insurance that expressly covers the region. The Israel Airports Authority and the Israeli Ministry of Transport publish up-to-date information on airport operations and service disruptions during unsettled periods.

Step-by-step: How to book a domestic flight in Israel

1. Identify your route and travel dates. Establish which airports are relevant to your journey — domestic scheduled services principally link Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion), Haifa, and Eilat (Ramon Airport).
2. Search all three domestic carriers. Browse the websites of Arkia, Israir, and airHaifa to see available flights and current fares. Price comparison tools such as Google Flights or Skyscanner can serve as a useful starting point, but always confirm fares directly with the airline before booking.
3. Review fare types and baggage allowances. Check carefully what each fare includes — hand luggage only, or hold baggage as well. Budget-priced tickets may charge separately for checked bags.
4. Book ahead, particularly during busy travel windows. Fares rise and seats fill quickly around Jewish holidays, school breaks, and the Israeli summer holiday period (July–August). Reserving several weeks in advance is a sensible habit.
5. Collect your confirmation and verify documentation requirements. Israeli residents can travel domestically with a government-issued ID card or driving licence rather than a passport; foreign nationals should carry their passport. Confirm the exact requirements with your airline when booking.
6. Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Online check-in is generally not offered on Israeli domestic flights. Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to complete check-in at the desk, which closes 90 minutes prior to the scheduled flight.
7. Clear security and proceed to boarding. Allow sufficient time for security screening. Domestic security at Israeli airports is thorough, so arriving with a tight margin is inadvisable.

Frequently asked questions: Air travel in Israel

Is Ben Gurion Airport the only international airport in Israel?

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is Israel’s primary and busiest international hub, handling the overwhelming majority of the country’s international traffic. Ramon Airport near Eilat also functions as a backup facility for Ben Gurion and accommodates a number of international charter and scheduled services. Haifa Airport has a limited international offering. For the great majority of expats, Ben Gurion will be the main point of international arrival and departure.

Do I need a passport for a domestic flight in Israel?

Israeli residents are not required to present a passport when travelling on domestic services — a valid government-issued document such as a resident card or driving licence is accepted. Foreign nationals, however, must carry a valid passport even for internal flights. Verify the precise requirements with your airline before you travel, as policies may be updated.

How early should I arrive at Ben Gurion Airport before an international flight?

Arriving approximately three hours before your scheduled departure is strongly recommended in order to allow adequate time to clear Israel’s multi-stage security process. Passengers at Israeli airports should expect to be questioned and have their bags searched as part of normal procedures — this is standard practice rather than cause for concern, but it does require a generous time allowance.

Which airlines fly directly from Ben Gurion to major international destinations?

In normal circumstances, direct flights operate to New York (JFK and Newark), Miami, and Los Angeles, chiefly through EL AL, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. European destinations are served by a broad range of carriers including EL AL, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, among others. It should be noted that the availability of international services is heavily dependent on the prevailing security situation, which can shift rapidly.

What happens to my flight if Ben Gurion Airport closes due to conflict?

Under officially declared emergency conditions, airlines that cancel flights are not required to pay financial compensation beyond a refund of the original ticket fare. This is a significant limitation relative to the protections offered in more stable aviation environments. Comprehensive travel insurance — one that specifically does not exclude disruptions arising from conflict — is highly advisable for expats. Keep an eye on the Israel Airports Authority website for current updates on airport status.

Can I get compensation if my flight from Israel is delayed or cancelled?

Israel’s Aviation Services Law (Compensation and Assistance Due to Flight Cancellation or Change of Conditions), 2012 establishes a domestic passenger rights framework under which compensation is triggered by delays of eight hours or more. EU Regulation EC 261/2004 may additionally apply to European-connected flights, and passengers are entitled to claim under whichever framework yields the greater benefit. During periods of declared national emergency, these protections may be partially suspended, so it is worth confirming the current legal position before pursuing a claim.

Is travel insurance worth getting as an expat in Israel?

Given the frequency with which Israel’s security climate has disrupted air services — including full airspace closures and widespread airline suspensions — travel insurance is a prudent investment for expats, especially cover that addresses flight disruption, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation. Examine policy exclusion clauses carefully, particularly those relating to conflict or government-issued travel warnings, and look into specialist expatriate insurance products designed with higher-risk regions in mind.

Are there low-cost carriers operating in Israel?

Of the 66 airlines currently serving Israel, 15 are classified as low-cost carriers. Internationally, carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and FlyDubai operate at Ben Gurion across European and regional routes under normal conditions. On domestic routes, airHaifa occupies the low-cost niche, connecting Haifa Airport with Eilat and operating international services to Greece and Cyprus.