Arkia Airlines announced its spring-summer 2026 destinations and introduced, for the first time, a business class on selected European routes.
According to the airline, in the upcoming tourist season, Arkia will operate about 40 destinations in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean – alongside four new destinations: Phuket, Malaga, Ibiza, and Vilnius. At the same time, the airline announced an expansion of its long-haul flights, including the transatlantic route to New York and selected destinations in Asia.
New Business Class to Europe – Starting with Paris
The main news is the launch of business class on European routes – a first in the company’s history. In the initial phase, the class will be introduced on the Paris route, with plans to expand to additional destinations in the future.
The business class will operate on Airbus A320 aircraft and will include 12 spacious seats, full VIP service, lounge access, a dedicated check-in and boarding lane, and expanded baggage allowance of two suitcases weighing up to 32 kg each, in addition to a carry-on. During the flight, a meal will be served along with a rich alcoholic menu and desserts. Ticket prices for the new business class on the Paris route will start at $850 one way.
According to the company’s CEO, Oz Berlowitz, the expansion of business class follows the success of the product on the New York route and increasing demand for premium services. “Arkia continues its growth momentum and operates according to its strategic plan to expand its network and offerings, deepen long-haul flight operations, and improve service,” he said.
New Aircraft Named After Yehoram Gaon
Berlowitz also revealed that a new aircraft in the company’s fleet will bear Gaon’s name. In doing so, Arkia continues a long-standing tradition of naming its planes after Israeli creators and artists, but this is the first time the company honors an artist while he is still alive.
Gaon, a recipient of the Israel Prize and an Honorary Citizen of Jerusalem, is considered one of the central figures in Israeli culture. According to the company, naming a plane after him is meant to reflect the connection between the brand and local cultural values.
New Destinations: From Thailand to the Baltics
Among the new destinations:
Phuket – Starting July 2026, Arkia will operate a weekly flight on an Airbus A330, including business class, to the popular Thai vacation spot.
Malaga – A weekly flight in July-September to the heart of Costa del Sol.
Ibiza – Two weekly flights in July-August to the sought-after party destination.
Vilnius – Two weekly flights to the Lithuanian capital, emerging as a growing European destination.
In addition, the airline will continue operating routes to New York, Bangkok, and Hanoi, as well as a wide range of destinations in Europe, the Greek islands, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Seychelles, and Zanzibar.
Arkia concludes that summer 2026 will focus on expanding the international network, strengthening both low-cost and premium operations, and offering a variety of flight options for different audiences – from short vacations to faraway destinations.