Haifa Airport takes off again after months-long war closure

JERUSALEM: After months of being closed by war, Haifa International Airport resumed domestic and international flights on Sunday.

"The return to operations of Haifa Airport is another step back to routine and growth, and to strengthening the northern region," said Transportation Minister Miri Regev. "This is a historic moment for Israeli aviation: After 30 years, a new Israeli airline is joining, connecting North to South in the spirit of the 'Connecting Israel' vision."

The newly established airline, Air Haifa, inaugurated its services with a maiden flight to Eilat, followed by its first international flight to Larnaca, Cyprus, later in the day.

Beginning January 2, the airline will expand its network with five weekly flights to Athens.

"We are very excited to launch operations from Haifa Airport. During this period, it is especially important to strengthen the region and provide the residents of the north with aviation services that they have been waiting for for many years," said Air Haifa CEO Gonen Ussishkin.

The Airports Authority recently completed extensive upgrades to Haifa Airport's infrastructure, with investments totalling tens of millions of shekels. Renovations included a comprehensive overhaul of the now 1,300-meter runway to meet international safety standards, the installation of biometric screening stations, and enhancements to the passenger terminal.

To further improve access, the Transportation Ministry launched a direct 15-minute shuttle service connecting the airport to Israel Railways, the metro, the Haifa cable car, and a planned scenic light rail line to Nazareth.

"The past year was not easy," said Airports Authority Sharon Kedmi. "Haifa Airport was forced to suspend its operations for a while. The airport's return to operations proves once again the resilience of the northern region and its ability to develop and grow, despite all the challenges. I am confident that Air Haifa will lead us to a future in which Haifa will be a significant aviation hub, connecting us all to the wider world and to economic and social prosperity."