More airline routes means more tourists. With Israir now expected to launch direct flights from Haifa to Larnaca in Cyprus, perhaps Israel will see an even greater spike in incoming tourism. Starting on December 23, Israir will operate weekly 50 minute flights on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Israir will use ATR planes with a capacity of 70 passengers for the route. Roundtrip fares on the Israir website start at $84, with a $30 charge for a suitcase of up to 23 kilograms. Prices for a package including hotel start at $250.

Haifa Airport is much smaller than Ben Gurion Airport. Parking at the airport is free, and the pre-flight procedure is quick, requiring passengers to arrive at the airport only one hour before takeoff, which is a nice bonus.

Israir will continue its direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Larnaca.

Israir CEO Uri Sirkis said that Israir will add flights to Paphos and Rhodes ahead of the Passover holiday in the spring.

Israir has already begun using Haifa Airport as a municipal airport in place of Sde Dov, which closed on July 1, 2019.