Air Haifa received its operational license from the Transportation Ministry and will begin flights next week, according to a joint announcement by the ministry and the airline on Wednesday.
"The company will begin operating flights from Haifa to Eilat on October 13 and to Cyprus on October 14." Due to the ongoing war, the first flights will be based out of Ben Gurion Airport instead of Haifa. Flights from the northern port city are expected to start after Yom Kippur, pending security conditions and approval from relevant authorities.
Starting Monday, September 30, and until the eve of Yom Kippur, October 11, Air Haifa will operate daily flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Eilat-Ramon Airport and back, with an introductory price of 99 shekels one-way, according to the announcement.
The airline has already begun selling tickets through its website. Round-trip flights from Haifa to Larnaca start at $145, not including a carry-on trolley. Air Haifa’s tickets include a small bag that fits under the seat, with additional options for carry-ons, checked luggage, and seat selection available for purchase. For Eilat flights, a carry-on costs an additional 30 shekels per direction, and checked luggage is 60 shekels. For flights to Cyprus, carry-ons are $15 each way and checked luggage costs $30 per direction.
The first flight from Haifa to Eilat, security conditions permitting, is expected to depart on Sunday, October 13, with prices ranging from 139 to 199 shekels per direction, excluding a carry-on. The first flight from Haifa to Cyprus is scheduled for Monday, October 14.
The announcement also noted that Air Haifa allows ticket cancellations (with credit for future purchases) or changes up to 24 hours before departure via its website. At the start of operations, Air Haifa’s fleet will consist of two ATR 72-600 aircraft with 72 seats each, with additional planes expected to join the fleet in the coming months.