Haifa Airport Revives International Travel With New Cyprus Flight Route

In an exciting development for travelers in Israel, Haifa Airport has launched a new flight route connecting it to Larnaca and Paphos in Cyprus. Operated by Air Malta’s narrow-bodied jet aircraft and marketed by Issta and Israir, the route offers three round-trip flights daily, with two flights to Larnaca and one to Paphos.

Haifa Airport holds historical significance as Israel’s first international airport, established by the British in 1934. While most international air travel shifted to Lod’s Ben Gurion International Airport, Haifa maintained its international connections over the years, particularly to neighboring destinations like Egypt, Jordan, and Cyprus, a mere 50-minute flight away.

Despite its rich aviation history, Haifa Airport’s operations have been constrained by the length of its runway, which prohibits the landing of large aircraft. Expansion plans for the runway have faced challenges due to limited space and the diverse needs along the Haifa Gulf coastline, including civilian ports, a Navy port, and Israeli shipyards.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev expressed the strategic importance of connecting the northern and southern regions of the country to the central hub. Commending the reopening of Haifa Airport and the establishment of the new flight route to Cyprus, Regev emphasized the unnecessary burden placed on Haifa and northern Israel residents who had to rely on Ben Gurion Airport for short trips related to vacations or business.

Regev called for additional European airlines to introduce direct flights to Haifa, recognizing the benefits for local residents and tourists interested in exploring the numerous attractions in northern Israel. By expanding international connectivity, Haifa Airport aims to enhance convenience, promote regional tourism, and contribute to the social and economic development of the area.

With the launch of the Haifa-Cyprus flight route, travelers can now enjoy seamless connections between Haifa and popular destinations in Cyprus, fostering greater accessibility and facilitating a promising future for Haifa Airport as an international aviation gateway.