Thomsonfly launches first low-fare flights to Tel Aviv

Low-fares airline Thomsonfly is launching new services to Tel Aviv this winter, with flights on sale now for departures starting on 1 November 2007. Thomsonfly is the first low-fares airline to launch flights to Israel, offering potentially huge savings by comparison to existing high fares airlines serving Tel Aviv.

Flights will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays out of both London Luton and Manchester airports.

Thomsonfly prices start from £79.99 one way or £139.98 return, including taxes and charges.

Kosher meals will also be served on board, which must be pre-booked. The meal option will be available to book at the same time as the flight booking.

Guy Stephenson, Thomsonfly’s Commercial Director, comments: “Our decision to launch into Tel Aviv will satisfy the huge demand for direct flights to this exciting Israeli city. The Israeli economy is strong and visitor numbers from the UK are up this year, which is a positive backdrop to the launch of new services.

“With around two million visitors to our websites each week, both Thomson and Thomsonfly have a unique ability to stimulate tourism from the UK to Israel, and we anticipate tremendous diversity in the reasons for both outbound and inbound travel. Tel Aviv has a growing reputation as a stylish and lively choice for city breaks, but also as an important destination for cultural exchanges between schools and religious groups, religious and history-based leisure breaks, visiting friends and relatives and as a place for doing business.”

Guy added, “Our aim is to provide a platform of opportunity for a wide range of travellers, with a range of good hotels and excursions to religious and historic sites available online, as well as low-fare flights bookable via the website. Travellers can choose the components they want or book them as a dynamic package. We are excited that our new low cost, high frequency flights will make it easier and more viable for many who have longed to visit Israel.”

Uzi Gafni, Director of the Israel Tourist Board comments: “The new Luton and Manchester routes into Tel Aviv give British travellers even greater access to what is arguably one of the most vivacious and cosmopolitan cities in the world. We have seen a three per cent increase in UK visitors in the first quarter of this year over last year and we are delighted that Thomsonfly’s arrival into Tel Aviv will help cater for this demand.”

Uzi continues: "Israel is the size of Wales. With Jerusalem less than an hour's drive away and the Dead Sea about an hour and a half's drive, Tel Aviv is a perfect gateway to discovering a new side to Israel. There are plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more.”

Anyone booking Thomsonfly flights to Tel Aviv is also entitled to one day’s free car hire in Israel, courtesy of Budget Car Rental, who will also waive charges for one-way drop-offs. Customers should present their flight confirmation details at the Budget Car rental desk in Tel Aviv Airport. This offer is valid until April 2008 and some restrictions apply.

Hotel accommodation is also available through Thomsonfly. The following examples are based on two sharing a standard twin room on a room only basis:

3* from £52 per room per night (Hotel Deborah)

4* from £66 per room per night (City Hotel)

5* from £95 per room per night (Dan Panorama)

To find out more, visit Thomsonfly.com.