The Israir airline will be launching three direct flights from Tel Aviv to European cities starting in late April – to Vilnius, Debrecen, and Basel.
Israir’s flights will join those of the low-cost carrier Wizz Air, with Ryanair expected to join soon as well.
The cheapest plane ticket is to the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, at $245 per person, and there will be flights twice a week on Sundays and Thursdays starting April 24.
Lithuania ranked second in the world and first in Europe on Lonely Planet’s list of recommended destinations for 2025, thanks to its impressive tourist sites. It also ranked first in the 2024 World Happiness Report for Youth, with its capital attracting many young people thanks to a combination of a rich cultural scene and career opportunities.
Vilnius was crowned as Europe’s Green Capital for 2025, as more than 60% of its area is covered by parks and forests.
Flights with Israir to Debrecen, Hungary, will begin the same day as flights to Vilnius and will also be twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Ticket prices are higher than flights to Lithuania, starting at $396 per person.
Flights to the Swiss city of Basel, however, will only begin almost two months later on June 10 and will fly once a week on Tuesdays with tickets at $424 per person. Package deals, including a flight and a seven-night stay in a hotel, start at $1,035 per person.
Israir's further expansion
“As part of our effort to meet the needs of our customers, we have chosen three destinations that offer diverse experiences, in addition to the company’s existing 30 destinations,” explains Hila Hermolin Ronen, Israir’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales.
“Basel serves as a base for trips to the Black Forest and is on the border with Germany and France. Vilnius combines history with a vibrant urban atmosphere, including options for kosher travelers. Debrecen offers rich culture and thermal baths.”
Hermolin also said that the Hungarian city is known for its restored synagogue that commemorates the once-thriving Jewish community.