Air Haifa, Israel’s newest airline, was set to receive its license and launch its inaugural flight from Haifa International Airport in the coming days. However, escalating tensions and the closure of airspace north of Hadera have forced the airline to adjust its plans. Instead, the first flight will now take off from Ben Gurion Airport, the company confirmed.
“Air Haifa has completed all necessary preparations and is ready for operational activity,” a company spokesperson said. “As the airline representing northern Israel, we were established to serve residents in the region. But due to the current security situation and directives from the Home Front Command, we will temporarily relocate operations to Ben Gurion Airport until conditions allow for a commercial launch from Haifa as planned.”
Originally, Air Haifa’s inaugural flight was scheduled to depart from Haifa to Eilat last week, with additional routes to Cyprus and Greece. However, with the final licensing still pending and the security situation preventing flights from Haifa, the airline has been unable to proceed with its initial plans.
Company co-founder and deputy CEO Miki Strasburger addressed concerns about launching during the conflict in northern Israel. “Of course, we are worried about the potential for war in the north at personal, national, and business levels,” he told Ynet and Mamon earlier this month. “This situation involves many factors, including passenger and crew safety, insurance issues, and the impact on flight demand if airspace is restricted.”
Strasburger added that postponing operations is not an option despite the uncertainty. “The decision to delay would be very costly. The aircraft are here, the crews are trained, and salaries need to be paid. Additionally, there is high demand for flights as ticket prices have surged due to cancellations by foreign airlines. So, our only choice is to prepare for operations under the current conditions.”
If the airline receives its license soon, Air Haifa intends to begin flights immediately from Ben Gurion Airport, including the planned inaugural flight to Eilat and international routes. This would provide additional competition for popular destinations as Jewish holidays approach.
(Sivan Pereg)
