Arkia presented its Spring–Summer 2026 flight schedule at a breakfast press event at Pastel Restaurant in Tel Aviv, announcing an expanded destinations map and a new Business Class product for select European routes, the airline said.
The company framed the move as part of its broader growth strategy to expand its network and upgrade its services.
The airline said it plans to operate flights in the coming summer to roughly 40 destinations across North America, Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean Basin, including new routes to Phuket, Malaga, Ibiza, and Vilnius.
Arkia also said it intends to deepen its long-haul activity, including transatlantic service to New York and routes to parts of Asia, such as Thailand and Vietnam.
Business Class expands to Europe
Arkia said it will, for the first time, offer Business Class on a range of European routes, beginning with the Tel Aviv–Paris route. The new cabin will be installed on the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft and will include 12 seats.
According to Arkia, Business Class passengers will receive VIP service, expanded baggage allowances, lounge access, and a premium dining menu. One-way fares to Paris will start at $850 per person, the company said.
Aircraft to be named for Yehoram Gaon
At the event, held in the presence of singer, creator, and Israel Prize laureate Yehoram Gaon, Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz announced that a new aircraft in the fleet will bear Gaon’s name.
Arkia said the decision follows a company tradition of naming aircraft after prominent Israeli artists, and that this is the first time it has named a plane after an artist during his lifetime.
Gaon is an Israel Prize recipient for his contribution to Hebrew song and an Honorary Citizen of Jerusalem, Arkia noted. The airline also cited his selection to light a torch at the state ceremony on Mount Herzl in 2017.
Strategy, summer focus
Berlowitz said Arkia is “operat[ing] consistently in accordance with its strategic plan” to expand destinations, deepen long-haul activity, and improve service, while offering “quality service, fair prices, and an advanced flight experience.”
Arkia has invested in premium offerings on long-haul routes in recent seasons, including Business Class on its New York flights, The Jerusalem Post previously reported.
Arkia said it will resume service to Ibiza with two weekly flights for short breaks and longer holidays, and will continue to expand its summer schedule to the Greek islands through a broad network of direct routes.
The company has also expanded its European and Asian offerings in recent seasons, including new destinations and direct service to Bangkok and Hanoi, according to the Post.
“Arkia continues its tremendous growth momentum,” Berlowitz said. “[We aim] to offer the Israeli public a competitive and diverse product that combines quality service, fair prices, and an advanced flight experience.”