Strong demand for flights to Cyprus is being recorded in Israel ahead of Passover, which begins on Wednesday, 1 April and runs until 8 April. The surge comes amid a significant reduction in available routes from Tel Aviv due to the suspension of flights by foreign airlines.
All flights operated by foreign carriers to and from Tel Aviv airport have been cancelled until further notice. Currently, only Israeli airlines continue to operate routes, with a limited number of flights and restricted passenger capacity per aircraft for security reasons.
Cyprus remains a key holiday destination
Before the outbreak of the war, Cyprus consistently ranked among the ten most popular destinations for Israelis travelling during Passover. According to a report published in January by the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, early bookings for Larnaca and Paphos had already shown a strong increase at the start of the year, although the situation later changed due to developments in the region.
Despite these changes, demand for Cyprus remains high during the Passover period.
Ticket prices climb sharply
According to the portal Ynet, part of the Yedioth Ahronoth media group, the combination of strong demand and limited seat availability has pushed ticket prices for the short flights to unusually high levels.
Return fares to Larnaca and Paphos have reached approximately €450, with available seats selling out quickly.
Alternative routes through Jordan
The Bulgarian airline Electra Airways operates flights from Aqaba in Jordan to Paphos without restrictions on passenger numbers.
Israeli carrier Arkia has also shifted almost all of its operations, apart from long-haul routes, to Aqaba. However, the airline continues to use Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv for flights to Cyprus.
Source: CNA