Arkia
Arkia is an Israeli scheduled airline linking Tel Aviv and Eilat with a compact network of regional and European destinations.
About Arkia
Arkia was founded in 1949 as Israel Inland Airlines and began flying in 1950, initially providing domestic connections to Eilat. It later adopted the Arkia name and developed scheduled and leisure-oriented international services. The airline is privately owned, with the Nakash business group holding a controlling interest and employees retaining a minority stake. Its identity remains closely connected with Israeli tourism and travel between the country's central region and the Red Sea resort of Eilat.
Tel Aviv Yafo is Arkia's busiest departure hub, followed by Paris, Eilat, Amman and Barcelona. The airline operates 15 routes serving seven destinations across six countries. Its network links Tel Aviv Yafo and Eilat with Amman, Barcelona, Larnaca, Paris and Tbilisi. This compact route structure combines domestic flying with regional and European services, although individual frequencies may vary by season and demand.
Aircraft types recorded in Arkia operations include the Aerospatiale/Alenia ATR 72 turboprop, Boeing 757-300 and Embraer ERJ-195 regional jet. These aircraft represent different periods and roles in the carrier's development, from short domestic sectors to higher-capacity international flights. Travellers should check the aircraft assigned to their particular service because cabin layout, seat dimensions and available amenities can differ. Arkia primarily serves economy-focused leisure traffic, with fare conditions and optional extras varying by booking.
Arkia is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, so passengers should not expect alliance-wide mileage earning, status recognition or reciprocal lounge access. The carrier does not have a clearly established global frequent-flyer programme comparable with those of major network airlines. Customer offers and commercial partnerships may still be available directly, but their eligibility and benefits should be confirmed on Arkia's official website before booking.
Arkia's principal strength is its focused network linking Israel with selected regional and European cities, particularly its service to Eilat. The small network can also present a practical challenge: fewer frequencies and limited alternative flights may complicate rebooking after disruption. Some services may be seasonal, and schedules can change in response to demand or operating conditions. Passengers connecting on separate tickets should therefore allow generous transfer time and verify baggage rules, check-in arrangements and flight status before travelling.
Good to know
Flying with Arkia — what to expect
Compact Route Network
Arkia serves a relatively small network, and some routes may not operate every day. Confirm the schedule before arranging a separate-ticket connection.
Fare Based Baggage
Cabin and checked-baggage entitlements can vary by fare and route. Use the allowance shown in your booking confirmation rather than assuming that checked luggage is included.
Aircraft May Vary
Different aircraft types have appeared across Arkia's operations, so cabin layout and seat comfort may vary. Check the scheduled aircraft close to departure, while remembering that operational substitutions remain possible.
Eilat Airport Transfer
Flights serving Eilat use Ramon Airport, which is outside the city centre. Allow additional time and cost for the ground transfer to or from Eilat.
Limited Rebooking Options
Arkia's modest flight frequency can leave fewer same-day alternatives during disruption. Build extra time into plans involving cruises, events or independently booked onward travel.
Network overview
Where Arkia flies
Arkia operates 15 routes to 7 destinations across 6 countries, its longest sector reaching Paris to Eilat (3,450 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Arkia flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Paris → Eilat
3,450 km · CDG → VDA
The longest sector in the Arkia network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Arkia
Notable destinations on Arkia's network.
IZTel Aviv YafodirectIZEilatdirectIZAmmandirectIZBarcelonadirectIZLarnacadirectIZParisdirectIZTbilisidirectDestination list is indicative of Arkia's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Israel
Other airlines based in Israel
FAQ
Arkia — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Arkia serves Tel Aviv Yafo, Eilat, Amman, Barcelona, Larnaca, Paris and Tbilisi. The network covers domestic, regional and European routes.
- Arkia's primary and busiest departure hub is Tel Aviv Yafo. Eilat is another important point in its network.
- Arkia serves exactly seven destinations across six countries. It operates 15 routes within that network.
- Tickets are generally easier to find at lower prices outside summer, Israeli school holidays and major religious-holiday periods. Comparing midweek departures and booking limited-frequency routes early may help.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Arkia's busiest departure points, ranked by number of routes, are Tel Aviv Yafo, Paris, Eilat, Amman and Barcelona.
- Arkia's cabin-baggage entitlement can depend on the fare and route. Passengers should check the size and weight limits displayed in their booking confirmation or on the airline's current baggage page.
- Arkia's longest route is Paris to Eilat, covering about 3,450 km nonstop.