Arkia Israeli Airlines
Arkia Israeli Airlines, commonly known as Arkia, is the second largest airline in Israel. Founded in 1949 as Israel Inland Airlines, the carrier is headquartered in Tel Aviv and operates primarily out of Ben Gurion Airport, with additional hubs at Ramon Airport near Eilat. As of early 2026, the airline has significantly shifted its strategy from a regional leisure carrier to an international competitor:
- Global Expansion: In 2025 and 2026, Arkia aggressively expanded into long haul markets. This includes the launch of direct flights from Tel Aviv to New York (JFK), Bangkok, and Hanoi.
- Fleet: The airline operates a mixed fleet of around 11 aircraft. For short and medium haul routes, it utilizes Embraer E195s and Airbus A321neoLR jets. Its long haul operations to North America and Asia are currently supported by wet-leased wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A330-200 and A330-900 models from partners like GullivAir and Hi Fly.
- Key Partnerships: In January 2026, Arkia signed a major interline agreement with JetBlue Airways. This partnership allows passengers to connect through New York to over 100 destinations across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- Ownership and Sales Talks: Historically owned by the Nakash brothers (Jordache Enterprises), the airline is currently in advanced negotiations as of February 2026 to be sold to American investor Elliot Zemel for an estimated $50 million.
- Onboard Service: Arkia positions itself as a “vacation airline,” often bundling flights with hotel packages. While it primarily operates a single class economy configuration on many routes, it offers a premium Arkia Top package and a business class experience on its long haul Airbus flights, featuring wider seating and enhanced catering.
iata code: IZ
established
1949
HUBS:
Tel Aviv (TLV)
MILEAGE PROGRAM:
N/A
ALLIANCE:
N/A
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