Arkia prepares for gradual expansion of Tel Aviv flight operations following U.S.–Iran ceasefire

Israeli airline Arkia prepares for a gradual return to full flight operations at Ben Gurion Airport, with a regular schedule expected to resume by May 3.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 5:44 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Phased Recovery for Israeli Aviation Post-Ceasefire

Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Arkia has begun formal preparations to scale up its flight operations. The airline expects to transition back to a standard flight schedule by May 3, provided the current security environment remains stable. This move comes as the Israeli aviation sector looks to rebound from the severe operational constraints imposed during the height of the regional military conflict. CEO Oz Berlowitz stated that the airline is currently working in full coordination with regulatory bodies to increase both flight supply and passenger capacity.

Destinations and Continental Reach in April

Despite the ongoing volatility, Arkia has maintained a strategic network of flights throughout the month of April. The carrier is currently operating routes to key European and international hubs, including Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Vienna, London, Amsterdam, and Paris. Long-haul operations to Bangkok and New York remain active, alongside regional services to Budapest. The airline intends to use these existing routes as the foundation for its broader expansion once the current security-related "short-term arrangement" matures into a more permanent operational status.

Lifting of Restrictive Passenger and Frequency Caps

A primary obstacle to the airline's recovery has been the stringent safety mandates enforced at Ben Gurion Airport. Currently, takeoffs and landings are limited to just one per hour, and departing aircraft are restricted to a maximum of 100 passengers. While arriving flights are not subject to passenger quantity limits, the departure caps have significantly hindered the commercial viability of many routes. Arkia anticipates these restrictions will be gradually eased between now and May 2, allowing for a return to more traditional load factors and higher flight frequencies.