These Are The Airlines Returning To Israel - And Those That Are Not

Many airlines froze their routes to Israel because of the war with Hamas, but are now finding their way back to the Holy Land.

More and more airlines that have frozen their routes to and from Israel are bringing their activities out from hibernation in the last month, and announcing to the Israeli passenger - we are here.

Many airlines announced the return of operations to Israel - here is what to expect and who you can fly with.

Airlines that fly to Israel currently, and where they fly:

El Al (including Sun Dor): Amsterdam, Athens, Budapest, Boston, Bucharest, Bangkok, Berlin, Barcelona, ​​Dubai, Vienna, Venice, Warsaw, Geneva, Tbilisi, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Lisbon, Larnaca, Madrid, Moscow, Miami, Milan, Munich, Marseille, New York, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Phuket, Prague, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Chisinau, Krakow, Rome

Israir: Athens, Budapest, Bucharest, Batumi, Dubai, Varna, Tbilisi, Larnaca, Sofia, Prague, Chisinau.

Arkia: Athens, Budapest, Bucharest, Grenoble Batumi, Belgrade, Barcelona, ​​Grenoble, Larnaca, Milan, PragueFrom February: Sri Lanka, Amsterdam

Aegean Airlines: Athens

An El Al flight landed in Melbourne, Australia for the first time in April 2020. (credit: Walla)

Uzbekistan Airlines: Tashkent

Austrian Airlines: Vienna

Air France: Paris

Ethiopian Airlines: Addis Ababa

Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi

High Sky: Chisinau

Hainan Airlines: Shenzhen

TAROM: Bucharest

Fly (TUS): Larnaca

Lot: Warsaw

Lufthansa: Munich and Frankfurt

Swiss: Zurich

Fly Dubai: Dubai

Airlines that announced that they are returning to fly to Israel in February:

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) from 2.8 to Baku

View of a ''Wizz Air'' flight, a Hungarian low-cost airline, taking off from Ben-Gurion Airport. September 03, 2014. (credit: MOSHE SHAI/FLASH90)

Air Seychelles: from 2.6 to Seychelles

Air Europa: from 2.22 to Madrid

Emirates: from 2.1 to Dubai

Blue Bird: from 2.1 to Athens

Georgian Airways: From 2.17 to Tbilisi

Transavia: from 2.1 to Paris

Smart Wings: from 2.1 to Prague

Airlines returning to fly to Israel in March

Iberia: from 3.1 to Madrid

EasyJet: from 3.1

Air India: from 3.1 to Mumbai

Eurowings: from 3.21 to Dusseldorf

American Airlines: from 3.21 to New York

Brussels Airlines: from 3.1 to Brussels

Gulf Air: from 3.30 to Manama, Bahrain

Wizz Air: from 3.1 to Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, London, Krakow, Rome

United Airlines: from 3.2 to New York
KLM: from 3.1 to Amsterdam

Pegasus Airlines: from 3.1 to various destinations in Turkey

Finnair: from 3.30 to Helsinki

Cathay Pacific: from 3.28 to Hong Kong

Royal Air from Morocco: from 3.1 to Marrakesh

ITA: from 3.1 to Rome

Airlines returning to Israel in April

Air Baltic: from 4.1 to Riga

Air Canada: from 4.8 to Toronto

Emirates: from 4.1 to Dubai

Bulgaria Air: from 4.8 to Sofia

British Airways: from 4.1 to London

Delta Airlines: from 4.1 to New York

Virgin Atlantic: from 4.1 to London

Cyprus Airways: from 4.2 to Larnaca

Other extreme delays in returning to Israel

Air Malta, Air Serbia, and Norwegian Air will not return to Israel until further notice.

TAP, Turkish Airlines, and Royal Jordanian will not return to Israel until at least January 2025.

Korean Air: from 4.30 to Seoul

Vueling: from 3.2 to Barcelona

By WALLA! TOURISM

Travelore News: Air France To Stop Most Domestic Flights From Orly Airport By 2026

(Reuters) - Air France said it would stop operating most domestic flights from Paris-Orly airport by the summer of 2026 and operate domestic and international flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to cope with falling demand for domestic flights.

"The rise of video conferencing, the drop in domestic business travel and the growing shift toward rail are leading to a structural fall in demand on Air France's domestic point-to-point network," the airline said in a statement.

Between 2019 and 2023, traffic on domestic routes out of Paris-Orly fell by 40%, and by 60% for day return trips, it said.

Air France said the impact on jobs in the regional airports of Toulouse, Marseille and Nice would be limited, and would be managed through voluntary transfers and departures.

Regarding employees based in Paris-Orly, it said staffing needs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle would be such by 2026 to guarantee everyone an equivalent position at the Roissy site.

Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; editing by Christina Fincher

The World’s Most Luxurious Airport Lounges

Layovers can be a hassle, or they can be a slice of heaven. If you have the opportunity to visit one of these airport lounges, you may keep your fingers crossed for flight delays. Lounges have gone way beyond free cocktails and Wifi.

Now, you can savor your trip by indulging in spa treatments, taking a nap, or enjoying a gourmet meal, blogs

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, Singapore Changi International Airport

Known as one of the top airport lounges in the world, the SilverKris Lounge at Changi airport is huge and accommodating. Fish tanks, orchids, low lighting and great food help make this lounge a soothing oasis. Take a hot shower, get a massage at the spa, or take a nap in your own slumberette.

British Airways Concorde Room, London Heathrow Airport

Decadent Swarovski crystal chandeliers illuminate the gold leaf “Gold Bar” at the elegant British Airways Concorde Room in Heathrow. Fireplaces, gourmet dining, and luxurious furniture create a relaxing pre-flight retreat. You can enjoy a complimentary massage at Elenis Travel Spa, or chill out in your own private room that features a TV, chaise lounge, desk, and shower. For fun, sit in a chair pulled from a Concorde jet made into seating for the Boardroom.

Air France La Premiere Lounge, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris

Have a massage, enjoy a fine French meal with wines from France’s premiere wineries, take a shower, lounge in a chaise, and then be escorted via Mercedes to your plane.

Swiss Lounge EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse, Freiburg

Relax in a leather recliner surrounded by palm trees under a giant glass dome while you enjoy the views. Hot and cold buffets and a bar offer plenty of sustenance in a bright uplifting atmosphere.

Star Alliance Lounge, Los Angeles, Tom Bradley International Terminal

Enjoy cocktails by the outdoor terrace fireplace and take in panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills while you wait for your international flight at the LAX Star Alliance lounge. Amenities include a library, shower suites, food and beverages, and iPads upon request.

Qantas First Lounge, Sydney

Luxe Italian marble, Swiss quartzite, glass, stainless steel and modern furniture juxtaposed against vertical foliage make a dramatic yet soothing atmosphere for pre-flight relaxation. Qantas First lounge in Sydney boasts complimentary spa treatments, concierge service, shower suites, gourmet dining, private business suites, and spectacular views of Sydney and Botany Bay.

Virgin Atlantic JFK Clubhouse, JFK International Airport, New York

Mood lighting, a brassiere dining area, and a spa with hair salon are all part of Virgin’s unique Clubhouse experience. Fun, vibrant furniture, like a ruby-red ball sofa and bubble chairs make this lounge seem a little futuristic, and is simultaneously soothing and invigorating.

Finnair Lounge, Helsinki Airport, Finland

Finnair Lounge is known for its fabulous midnight buffet, perfect for those on their way to Asia. Marimekko tableware and Nordic design fill surroundings with a relaxing modern aesthetic.

Etihad’s Diamond First Class Lounge, Abu Dhabi International Airport, United Arab Emirates

Drop the kids off with their own personal nanny and head for the spa. You can relax and get a massage while the children enjoy the colorful playroom.

Lufthansa First Class Lounge, Frankfurt

Located in its own terminal, Lufthansa’s First Class Lounge offers concierge service, fine dining, showers and bathtubs (sometimes with Lufthansa’s coveted rubber duckies). After an over-the-top lounge experience, you will be driven to your plane in a Porche or Mercedes. Very James Bond.

Check our AirGuideAirports – Top 50 World Airport Maps displayed with popups, including POI search capability for the busiest airports in North America, Latin America & Caribbean, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific.

Source: www.airguideonline.com 

Best And Worst Airlines For Traveling With Pets

Getting Their Fur Flying: Top Tips for Taking Your Pets On Holiday

• New research by Compare the Market shows the best places to take your pets on holiday, and how to get them there.
• Air France, TUI and Thomas Cook are among the top pet travel options.
• Pitbulls least likely to be allowed to join you on holiday while American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Terriers are also banned by several countries.

With summer coming up, the entire globe is dreaming of sun, sea and city breaks, with a spike in holiday bookings and wanderlust. However, many of us will also be fretting about our furry friends at home - wouldn’t it be much easier if we could just take them along with us?

Compare the Market has commissioned new research into the most pet-friendly countries and airlines around the globe, so you can take your dog, cat (or meerkat) with you this summer. They’ve also produced a definitive list of the most famous globetrotting animals to give you inspiration - and shed light on the unlucky pets who are less likely to be able to join their owners on holiday.

It’s All About the Journey….

Getting your pet to your chosen location might seem daunting, but most airlines today have a policy in place to allow pets to accompany their owners onboard. While the policies themselves are manifold, no two are the same - so we’ve pulled the top travel options together for you, including:

• Air France - Leaders in the pet transport field, Air France allows you to bring up to three pets along for the cost of an extra suitcase. Pets of up to 75kg (including carrier) can travel with you in the cabin, and you can buy carriers to keep your small friends in comfort. There are also freight options for heavier pets, who’ll be made welcome in their own holding area. 
• Thomas Cook - There’s not only a wide range of animals allowed on Thomas Cook, there’s no maximum weight for pets on holiday either - and you can get them on board for just 15 euros per dossier plus an excess baggage fee. 
• TUI - while a more expensive option - with a total cost of 81.60 euros per pet - TUI allows pets up to 6kg to travel in the cabin alongside you, and heavier pets can be put up in the cargo hold for the duration of the flight. Pets can also be added to an existing flight with a quick call!

While animals are now often a common sight on most airlines, there are some that are best to avoid. EasyJet, Emirates and FlyBe won’t let you onboard with a pet at all, which means you should definitely take time to check flight providers on online packages, especially if they’re different providers both ways!

Pets on Location

Of course, great transport options are only part of your pet’s holiday experience. The location is always the most important part of any holiday, and some countries are more likely to welcome fluffy travellers than others. Compare the Market found some of the most surprising pet-friendly destinations for a trip away were:

• New York - The Big Apple was the most pet-friendly destination, with no bans on pets of any breed. Pets also don’t need their own passport to travel to NYC, and only dogs will need a vet’s certificate proving they’ve had a recent rabies vaccination. Working dogs from certain destinations, including Mexico, may also need to prove that they’ve been vaccinated for tapeworm.
• Tokyo - Your furry friend won’t need a passport to travel to Japan, but you will need to make sure they’re chipped and that you’ve filed an Advanced Notification Form with the Animal Quarantine Service 40 days before you travel. A vet must also complete a Japan Veterinary Certificate before travel, confirming that you’ve had your pet inoculated against Japan’s list of illnesses, including hepatitis for dogs and calicivirus for cats.
• Seoul - Korea is also a fan of pets, and doesn’t require a pet passport if your pet has been properly chipped. While a list of banned animals isn’t published, it is worth enquiring with your travel agent before you book just to make sure, and all animals travelling must be vaccinated against rabies.

When looking into travelling with pets, it is always advisable to look at getting them their own passport, as a third of destinations will require one. An EU passport is your best bet for speedy pet transfers, with most European countries including Spain, Germany and the Netherlands accepting these. Microchips are also required in a whopping 90% of countries, while almost all countries will require your pet to be vaccinated against rabies. Having these three musts up-to-date is a great starting point for globetrotting pets.

Jet Set Pets

Wherever you’re travelling in the world with your pet, there’s no such thing as too much information - whether it’s transport to your destination, which country to choose, or even whether your pet will be able to accompany you on your next adventure.

For full research on Jet Set Pets and where to take them, visit Compare the Market’s handy guide for a quick rundown of the best places for ‘petsetters’.   

Air France Opens Newly Redesigned Business Lounge In Hall L At Paris-Charles De Gaulle

Air France  has reopened a completely redesigned, much larger and totally renovated Business class lounge. With an open kitchen, private saunas and a detox bar, the company has created a real bubble of well-being for its Business customers and Flying Blue Elite Plus cardholders in Hall L at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Terminal Two.

The 3,200 sq. m. lounge will open in two stages. A first part of 2,180 sq. m. was unveiled on January 25 and a second in July 2018, where new areas will be revealed.

"This lounge is perfectly in line with Air France's strategy to move upmarket, in the same way as the lounge at Terminal 2G,” explained Anne Rigail, Customer EVP. “It has been designed to surprise our customers with innovative services on the theme of well-being and gastronomy."

A subtle balance between elegance, comfort and creativity, this lounge reflects the identity of the Air France brand. In the choice of materials, furniture and with a palette of bright colors, Air France and the agency Brandimage have designed a refined new lounge, a new ambassador of chic French style.

The largest well-being area in an Air France lounge

For the first time, an Air France lounge is devoting more than 550 sq. m. entirely to well-being. In a refined setting, everything has been designed to immerse the customer in a cocoon where time seems to stand still. The well-being area provides customers with:

·         An "Instant Relaxation" area to relax comfortably on loungers or in mini-suites for optimal rest;

·         A detox bar to relax, with a selection of fine teas;

·         An area dedicated to facial treatments with two private cabins where customers can benefit from the expertise of Clarins beauticians;

·         Two private saunas to freshen up between flights;

·         Large luxury showers.

Fine dining on show

The lounge highlights the finest French dining experience:

·         A "La Table Gourmet" dining area, designed in the spirit of a Parisian brasserie, with an open kitchen where a Chef prepares tasty hot dishes by putting the final touch on the dish in front of customers;

·         A self-service offer which invites customers to discover seasonal flavors for all tastes, with simmered casseroles, salads and pastries;

·         A selection of wines and Champagnes chosen by Paolo Basso, world's best sommelier in 2013.

Digital art at the heart of the customer experience

In collaboration with French start-ups Superbien and Tetro and the agency Brandimage, Air France has created a real immersive and sensory experience thanks to digital services:

·         In the entrance hall, a series of screens accompanies customers and takes them into a world of travel with soft and airy lighting effects;

·         A three-dimensional digital creation is on show in the center of the well-being area. A surprising art form that changes shape, intensity and color throughout the day;

·         A sky with soothing lighting, in a light therapy style, for a moment of complete relaxation.

Unique spaces

To meet the needs of all customers, Air France has also come up with:

·         "Le Club", a private area, to spend time alone or with others in a warm atmosphere;

·         "Le Petit Salon" to take time out in a place where all is quiet and smartphones are silent;

·         An "At Your Service" area, to be assisted by Air France staff in the lounge to reserve showers and saunas, change seats or flights, etc.;

·         "Air France Shopping" showcases to discover and purchase a selection of unique Air France-branded objects.

More surprises to come in July 2018

This lounge also has other surprises in store, including a beautiful creation by the French designer Mathieu Lehanneur. More details to come in July 2018.

About Air France

Air France, a global airline of French inspiration, with high standards and a caring attitude, turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure on all its daily operations in France, Europe and worldwide.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2017, it offers its customers access to a network covering 328 destinations in 118 countries thanks to its five brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia, Joon and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 534 aircraft in operation and 93.4 million passengers carried in 2016, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,300 daily flights, mainly from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme is one of the leaders in Europe with over 27 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 270 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 17,000 daily flights to more than 1,060 destinations in 177 countries.

Air France Announces New A La Carte Menu Options, "My Fun Menu" Created For Teenagers And Young Adults

As of April 1, 2018, Air France will add a new menu to its A La Carte Menu selection on board long-haul flights* - “My Fun Menu”.  This menu, created from high-quality ingredients, will delight the taste buds of the most demanding gourmands.  This new offer notably meets the expectations of teenagers and young adults.  It will be available for purchase starting January 11, 2018 for flights departing from April 1, 2018 onward at a price of 13 euros or 4,500 miles.

My Fun Menu Includes:

Main dish:

• Burger made from French beef, with Emmental cheese and Bearnaise sauce
• Kettle chips with sea salt

Dessert:

• Mini Yop yogurt drink (strawberry flavor)
• Donut with caramel filling

Sweet treat:

• Haribo sweets

A La Carte Menus – a selection of menus to suit all tastes

In the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, Air France now offers five A La Carte Menus on flights departing from Paris to all destinations**. The options include:

• Le Marché de Jean Imbert – an exclusive culinary creation designed by the rising star of French cuisine;
• Une Sélection Lenôtre – a meal exclusively designed by the famous Lenôtre restaurants and boutiques;
• Ocean Menu – a seafood specialty menu offering a taste of the sea on board the flight;
• Tradition Menu – an array of French gourmet products allowing customers to enjoy the famous French culinary heritage;
• My Fun Menu – a feel-good menu to satisfy our young gourmands.

To learn more about Air France’s A La Carte Menus, visit  https://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/resainfovol/achat/menu_a_la_carte.htm.

*On departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly

**Excluding flights to Amman, Bangalore, Damascus, Delhi and Mumbai and flights AF022 on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and to New York and AF3519 on departure from Reunion and to Paris-Orly during the summer season.

About Air France

Air France, a global airline of French inspiration, with high standards and a caring attitude, turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure on all its daily operations in France, Europe and worldwide.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2017, it offers its customers access to a network covering 328 destinations in 118 countries thanks to its five brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia, Joon and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 534 aircraft in operation and 93.4 million passengers carried in 2016, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,300 daily flights, mainly from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme is one of the leaders in Europe with over 27 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 270 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 17,000 daily flights to more than 1,060 destinations in 177 countries.

With Air France's Night Service, Dine In The Lounge And Sleep On Board!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WITH AIR FRANCE’S NIGHT SERVICE, DINE IN THE LOUNGE AND SLEEP ON BOARD!

 

Passengers to arrive refreshed at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Air France is innovating and anticipating its Business customers need to rest on departure from New York-JFK airport on its night flights. Eager to offer them optimum comfort, the company is introducing its "Night Service", enabling them to enjoy the same meal in the airport lounge as the one served on board*, with the meal served at their table in a dedicated private area.

 

During the flight, customers can enjoy a good night’s sleep in the comfort of the Air France Business class cabin. A quiet, private cabin guarantees a peaceful night’s sleep in a seat that transforms into a lie-flat bed. Customers with a very healthy appetite can choose to eat again during the flight.

 

When they awake, as the French coast looms on the horizon, breakfast is served before landing at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

 

A gourmet and practical new service available exclusively at New York-JFK

                 

The Night service is only available on departure of flights AF011 (21:45) and AF009 (23:25) from New York-JFK as of April 11, 2016. With no prior booking required, customers can choose to enjoy this new service when they arrive in the Air France lounge in New York.

 

^{* Except for special meals that can be enjoyed on board only.}

 

About Air France

Air France, a global airline of French inspiration, with high standards and a caring attitude, turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure on all its daily operations in France, Europe and worldwide.

Since 2004, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have formed a global air transport giant with a strong European base. The Group also offers cargo transport and aeronautical maintenance solutions.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2015, it offers its customers access to a network covering 316 destinations in 115 countries thanks to its four brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 546 aircraft in operation and 87.4 million passengers carried in 2014, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,200 daily flights from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme is one of the leaders in Europe with over 25 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 250 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 16,320 daily flights to 1,052 destinations in 177 countries.