Israel’s national airline El Al will relaunch direct flights from Manchester to Tel Aviv from May 26th 2019 after pulling the service 18 years ago. Tickets are now on sale, with economy fares starting from £289 return for hand-luggage only, while business class is priced from £929 return. Boeing 737-800s will fly the route Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving Manchester at noon, while in the opposite direction, flights will depart Tel Aviv at 8am. EasyJet is currently the only carrier offering direct air travel from Manchester with twice weekly flights, and experts believe another option will increase market competition.
Speaking to the World Travel Market, El Al’s vice-president Michael Strassburger said: “We were very much aware of the interest of the Jewish community in the north of England. We didn’t have the equipment or the manpower. Finally we have the ability to launch the service and are very excited to be an integral part of the Jewish community.”