The government approved a budget of NIS 40 million for operating a tender for increased flights on the Ben Gurion–Ramon route for the years 2026–2027. The goal: To ensure convenient, accessible, and reasonably priced connectivity for residents of Eilat and the Hevel Eilot region.
The decision, formulated by the Transportation Minister Miri Regev, the Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Mayor of Eilat Eli Lankri, is intended to increase flight frequency during the required hours. Residents of Eilat and Hevel Eilot will continue to enjoy, during the next two years as well, significant discounts with a reduced price of only NIS 99 for flights to and from Eilat. In addition, it was decided to extend the shuttle service between the terminal at Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv, with the goal of easing travel time between Eilat and Tel Aviv.
“The distance will not stand as a barrier”
Miri Regev, the Transportation Minister and Road Safety, said: “The decision approved today by the government includes assistance of NIS 40 million for regular flights to and from Eilat. The decision will ensure the city’s connection to the center of the country and maintain competition between the airlines.” According to her, “This is an important step in strengthening the periphery and reducing the cost of living.”
Regev added: “The vote in favor of today’s decision sends a clear message: The State of Israel sees all its citizens, and distance will not stand as a barrier to equal opportunity.” She noted that her ministry continues planning and budgeting the railway line that will connect Eilat to Kiryat Shmona, as part of the ‘Connecting Israel’ vision.
“The lifeline of the city’s residents”
The Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said: “The state is committed to strengthening the periphery and providing accessible transportation services for the area’s residents and connecting it to the center.” According to him, the continued operation and expansion of the route will ensure certainty for the residents and will lead to an improvement in quality of life in the region.
Eli Lankri, Mayor of Eilat, added: “The Ben Gurion–Eilat route is the lifeline of the city’s residents.” According to him, “The continued subsidizing of flights by the Finance Ministry, along with the increased budget that allows the Transportation Ministry to regulate the frequency and regularity of flights, are significant news for Eilat and an important and responsible step by the state.”
“Returning the southern communities to full activity”
Moshe Ben-Zaken, Director-General of the Transportation Ministry, said: “The Transportation Ministry is making great efforts to return the southern communities to full economic activity so they can continue to serve as national and international tourism centers.” According to him, the reduced-price flights will not only help lower the cost of living, but also encourage a return to full activity in the tourism centers.
Ilan Rom, Director-General of the Finance Ministry, added that the decision is further proof of the commitment to developing the periphery and strengthening accessibility for Eilat residents. “The budget we approved will ensure aviation stability, flight availability, and the preservation of accessible prices for residents,” he said.