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Recently, the first direct flight connecting Tel Aviv (Israel's second-largest city) and Hanoi was launched, operated by Arkia Airlines. Now, instead of long journeys through transit points in third countries, the distance between Israel and Hanoi has been shortened to just 11.5 hours of continuous flight. This event is not simply the opening of a new commercial flight route, but also an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Arkia, Israel's second-largest airline with a long history dating back to 1949, has chosen Hanoi as a strategic hub in Asia, opening up a promising "travel corridor." With a weekly flight using modern wide-body aircraft with 290 seats, Vietnamese passengers can now depart from Noi Bai Airport at 7:40 PM and arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at 2:25 AM the following morning (local time).
Arkia direct flight route - a "boost" for Vietnam-Israel tourism to break through.
This itinerary is perfectly designed to give travelers a full day to begin their exploration of the "Holy Land." From Tel Aviv, it's just a short journey to the ancient city of Jerusalem – home to some of the world's most sacred religious and historical sites. Experience a relaxing swim in the Dead Sea or admire the surreal architectural beauty of the Baha'i Hanging Gardens in Haifa. The convenience of direct flights not only saves time but also optimizes traveler's well-being, making the Middle Eastern adventure more enjoyable and fulfilling than ever before.
This is an opportunity for Vietnamese tourists to visit cultural sites of the people of this Middle Eastern country.
The appeal of the direct Tel Aviv – Hanoi flight also stems from the synergy of a relaxed visa policy. Currently, with the e-visa system allowing multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days, Vietnam is becoming a "golden" destination for Israeli tourists – a group that favors eco-tourism, exploration, and has high spending power. Conversely, Hanoi's strategic transit point also makes it easier for tourists from the Middle East to connect and explore the pristine beauty of Sapa, Ninh Binh, or Cat Ba Bay.
The inauguration of the direct flight route is a significant step forward in connecting Vietnam with long-haul markets. The tourism industry expects to welcome approximately 300,000 Israeli tourists by 2030, with an average stay of up to 15 days per trip. This demonstrates the strong appeal of Northern Vietnam's rich cultural heritage to visitors from afar, while also opening up opportunities for cultural exchange and learning from the innovative spirit of Israel, a "startup nation."
Arkia plans to launch its first flight in December 2025 or January 2026 and begin selling tickets for the Tel Aviv-Hanoi route from October 2025. The flight is expected to last 11 hours and 35 minutes, shortening the average flight time by 5-9 hours and with 1-2 layovers.
The opening of direct flights will be a concrete realization of the cooperation outlined in the Protocol signed on December 21, 2020, amending the Agreement on Air Transport Cooperation between the two countries, and will also open a new chapter in tourism cooperation between the two sides.
Direct flights contribute to promoting relations between the two countries, creating favorable conditions for tourism and economic development.
Direct flights facilitate travel for businesses, traders, investors, buyers, tourists, and citizens between the two countries, enhancing understanding and further promoting multifaceted cooperation between the two sides. Arkia is one of three traditional Israeli airlines (excluding the newly established private airline Air Haifa, founded in 2023).
