Congratulation: Air Haifa Takes Off for the First Time from Haifa Airport

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Air Haifa launches today (Sunday, December 22nd) its flights from Haifa International Airport.

After starting its operations at Ben Gurion Airport due to the closure of northern airspace, in light of the ceasefire agreement, Haifa Airport resumed full operations and Haifa Air launches its flights as planned from the northern airport today.

The launch was marked by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brigadier General (Res.) Miri Regev, the CEO of the Airport Authority, Sharon Kedmi, the Mayor of Haifa, Mr. Yona Yahav, the director of Haifa Airport, Meir Cohen, and the company's founders. The first flight of the morning took off from Haifa to Ramon Airport, Eilat.

From today, December 22nd, the airline will operate three daily flights to Larnaca and two flights to Eilat, and starting January 2nd the company will add five weekly flights to Athens.

Photo: Sivan Parge

As a reminder, Haifa Air began its operations in September of this year with flights to Larnaca and Eilat. With the move to Haifa, the company is expected to announce another destination in the Mediterranean region.

Currently, the company operates two ATR-72 model planes, and recently ordered two more. One of the two is expected to join the company's fleet soon.

As we published last week, in parallel, the "Egged" company and the National Public Transportation Authority at the Ministry of Transport are launching a new and fast way to reach Haifa Airport from anywhere in the country: Line 100, a direct fast shuttle between Haifa's Central Bay Station and Haifa Airport. The travel time will be about 15 minutes and the timetable will be adapted to the flight schedule.

Line 100 will operate from Platform 24 at the Central Bay Station, from Sunday to Thursday, at intervals of 30 minutes, from 6:05 AM to 8:05 PM, and on Fridays until 3:05 PM.

Nir Tzuk, one of the founders of Haifa Air: "When establishing a new company, whether it's a tech company, airline, bank, or real estate project – you always need partners. There's no way to do it alone. Partners are not just those who share the journey with you, but also those who believe in your vision. In an airline company, for instance, this is particularly true. From the first day, we understood we needed to enlist the support of the regulator, the Ministry of Transport, and all relevant entities. Three friends and I approached the CEO of the Ministry of Transport and presented our vision – to establish an airline from Haifa. The CEO believed in the idea immediately. He even took the initiative and presented it to the minister, who was also enthusiastic and gave her immediate endorsement. This was a pivotal moment – to see how the spirit of leadership spreads to all involved in the initiative. Everyone got on board, and the vision started to take form. In the end, the success of a project depends not only on you but also on the people who are willing to believe and join you in the journey."

Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brigadier General (Res.) Miri Regev: "I congratulate ‘Haifa Air’ on its entry into the Israeli aviation sector, which keeps the skies open to and from Israel, even in the most challenging days. Over the past year, we have learned just how crucial the activities of our airlines are for maintaining functional continuity, and the ability to bring Israelis home under any circumstances. The resumption of activities at Haifa Airport is another step towards returning to normal and growth and strengthening the northern region. I believe that soon we will also see a recovery in tourism, and Haifa Airport will be a part of it."

Photo: Sivan Parge

Mickey Strasburger, one of the founders of Haifa Air: "This is a historic and especially exciting moment for the residents of the north and for the people of Haifa Air. After a long wait and extensive preparations, we are proud to begin regular operations from Haifa International Airport. We wish to thank the Ministry of Transport, the Airport Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority, the City of Haifa, the National Public Transport Authority, the Israel Ports Company, and all our many partners who support, accompany, and invest to ensure aviation activities of the highest standard from Haifa. The support and trust we have received from the public and authorities strengthen our commitment and hope to provide convenient, safe, and accessible air services to residents of the northern region and Eilat, making the dream of aviation from the north a daily reality."

Mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav: "In Rabin's last government, I served as the personal assistant to the then Minister of Transport, Gadi Yaacobi z"l, who was the youngest minister in the government, only 39 years old. Here, exactly at this place, stood a small and shabby hut, worse than the huts I knew in the scouts. This was the passenger terminal and airport of Haifa. I came to him, to Minister Yaacobi, and convinced him to come here. When we arrived, I told him: "Let's remove this hut and build something worthy." Thus began the process that eventually resulted in the complex you see today. I accompanied the construction all along the way. And now, when the minister wants to expand the place, to make it bigger and more significant, I know that the entire north is on the cusp of a dramatic change. We aspire to make Haifa and the entire region a leading tourist hub, a city that hosts and serves as a gateway to the whole northern region. I thank all the amazing people who work tirelessly to strengthen Haifa Air. Together we will continue to lead this vision forward."

CEO of the Airport Authority, Sharon Kedmi: "The past year was not easy. The Iron Sword War posed heavy challenges, not only in the security and personal sense but also in transportation and aviation systems. Haifa Airport had to suspend its operations for a time. Its return to operation once again proves the resilience of the northern region and its ability to develop and grow despite all the challenges. I am sure that Haifa Air will lead us to a future where Haifa will be a significant aviation hub, connecting us all to the big world and to economic and social prosperity. At the Airport Authority, we will do everything possible to help achieve this future."