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Your Guide to Airlines Flying into Tel Aviv: Navigating the Skies to Israel’s Hub

Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) serves as Israel’s primary international gateway, a bustling hub connecting the nation to the world. A plethora of airlines operate flights to and from this vital airport, offering a diverse range of options for travelers. In short, the answer to “What airlines fly into Tel Aviv?” is extensive, including major international carriers, budget airlines, and regional players. Below, we’ll explore the landscape of airlines connecting you to the vibrant city of Tel Aviv.

Major International Airlines Serving Tel Aviv

Ben Gurion Airport is a popular destination for prominent international airlines. These carriers provide extensive networks, often connecting Tel Aviv to major cities across continents.

Delta Air Lines: A major US carrier providing non-stop services from hubs like New York (JFK) and Atlanta (ATL). Expect robust services and connectivity throughout North America.
United Airlines: Another key US player, United offers flights from Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), and Washington D.C. (IAD), among other cities, providing comprehensive coverage across the United States.
American Airlines: Rounding out the “big three” US airlines, American connects Tel Aviv to cities like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK), offering additional options for transatlantic travel.
British Airways: The UK’s flag carrier offers frequent flights from London Heathrow (LHR), providing seamless connections to Europe and beyond.
Virgin Atlantic: Another strong British presence, Virgin Atlantic offers stylish flights from London Heathrow (LHR), focusing on a premium travel experience.
Lufthansa: As Germany’s largest airline, Lufthansa provides extensive connections through its Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) hubs, linking Tel Aviv to a vast European network.
Air France: A major European airline, Air France flies from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), offering a convenient gateway to France and onward connections.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Operating from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), KLM offers a comfortable and efficient route to Tel Aviv with connections across Europe and the world.
Turkish Airlines: Connecting Tel Aviv to Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkish Airlines boasts a vast network spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Israeli Airlines Connecting You Home (and Away!)

No exploration of airlines flying into Tel Aviv would be complete without highlighting Israel’s own carriers.

El Al Israel Airlines: As the national airline, El Al offers a wide range of flights from various destinations worldwide, reflecting Israel’s strong connections to both North America and Europe. They are known for their emphasis on security and a distinctly Israeli travel experience.
Israir Airlines: Israir focuses on both domestic and international routes, offering a mix of scheduled and charter flights, primarily connecting Tel Aviv to destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Arkia Israeli Airlines: Arkia provides a mix of domestic and international flights, with a focus on popular tourist destinations in Europe and around the Mediterranean.

Budget Airlines Offering Affordable Options

For budget-conscious travelers, several low-cost carriers (LCCs) fly into Tel Aviv. Keep in mind that these airlines often charge extra for services like checked baggage and seat selection, so factor those costs into your planning.

Ryanair: Europe’s largest low-cost carrier offers routes from various European cities, providing competitively priced options.
easyJet: Another major European LCC, easyJet connects Tel Aviv to several European destinations, offering affordable fares.
Wizz Air: This Hungarian low-cost airline provides numerous routes from Central and Eastern Europe, offering excellent value for travelers from those regions.
Blue Air: This Romanian low-cost airline provides routes from various European cities, providing competitively priced options.

Regional Airlines and Specialized Services

In addition to the major players, several regional airlines serve Tel Aviv, often focusing on specific geographic areas or niche markets.

Aegean Airlines: Connecting Tel Aviv to Athens (ATH), Aegean offers easy access to Greece and the Greek Islands.
Air Canada: As the flag carrier of Canada, Air Canada provides connections from major Canadian cities such as Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL).
Etihad Airways: Flying from Abu Dhabi (AUH), Etihad offers connections to the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Emirates: This major UAE airline connects Tel Aviv to Dubai (DXB), providing access to their extensive global network.
Qatar Airways: Offering flights from Doha (DOH), Qatar Airways provides another excellent option for connecting to destinations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which airlines offer direct flights from the US to Tel Aviv?

Several airlines offer direct flights from the US to Tel Aviv, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. El Al also operates direct flights from various US cities.

2. What is the cheapest time of year to fly to Tel Aviv?

Generally, the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and lower airfares. Avoid peak travel periods like summer and major Jewish holidays for the best deals.

3. How far in advance should I book my flight to Tel Aviv?

Booking 3-6 months in advance is generally recommended, especially for popular travel times. Consider using fare alerts to track price fluctuations.

4. Are there any airlines that fly directly from Australia to Tel Aviv?

Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia to Tel Aviv. Travelers typically connect through hubs in Asia or the Middle East, such as Dubai (Emirates) or Doha (Qatar Airways).

5. What are the baggage allowances for flights to Tel Aviv?

Baggage allowances vary depending on the airline and fare class. Check the specific airline’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Low-cost carriers often have stricter and more costly baggage policies.

6. What is the best airport to fly into Tel Aviv?

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the primary and most convenient airport for accessing Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas.

7. Are there any COVID-19 related travel restrictions for flights to Tel Aviv?

Travel restrictions can change rapidly. It’s crucial to check the latest guidelines from the Israeli government and your airline before your trip.

8. Which airlines offer the most comfortable business class experience to Tel Aviv?

Airlines like El Al, Delta, United, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic are known for their comfortable business class cabins, offering lie-flat seats, premium dining, and enhanced amenities.

9. What are the best ways to find cheap flights to Tel Aviv?

Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to compare prices from different airlines. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons.

10. Do any airlines offer stopover programs for flights to Tel Aviv?

Some airlines, like Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, offer stopover programs that allow you to explore their hub cities (Istanbul and Doha, respectively) for a day or two at no extra cost.

11. What are the visa requirements for traveling to Tel Aviv?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements for your country. Many nationalities can enter Israel visa-free for tourism purposes.

12. Are there any airlines that offer kosher meals on flights to Tel Aviv?

Most major airlines, including El Al, Delta, United, American, and European carriers, offer kosher meals upon request. Be sure to request your kosher meal at least 24-48 hours before your flight.