EasyJet unveil their first flight route between Manchester Airport and Israel's Tel Aviv

By Shanna McGoldrick

EasyJet unveiled their first flight route between Manchester Airport and Tel Aviv, Israel, this week.

The budget airline will fly twice weekly between the two cities from November 1 of this year, and passengers are hoping the famously low-cost airline will provide serious competition for other tour operators currently offering the route, such as Jet2.com and British Airways.

EasyJet UK commercial manager Ali Gayward said the company was inspired to introduce the new route due to the cultural link between the North West of England and Israel.

She said: "The service will offer great opportunities for both British and Israeli travellers wishing to travel between two of the world’s great cities.”

Ken O’Toole, Chief Commercial Officer for the Manchester Airports Group (MAG) said: "Tel Aviv is a popular destination that’s increasing in prominence and we know that it’s very popular for passengers returning to the North West and seeing friends and family in Israel."

The news will surely be welcomed by members of Manchester’s Jewish community, which is estimated to have a population of around 30,000.

Joyce Khan, Marketing Manager of Manchester charity The FED (Federation of Jewish Services), said the new flights were great news for people visiting relatives in Israel and for whom the package tours so readily on offer at the moment are unnecessary.

She said: “Distance between families can always be a problem, so anything like this will have a positive effect on wellbeing in the Jewish community.

“It’s about social cohesion – helping people to keep in touch and share in one another’s celebrations. It will allow an even greater cultural exchange between the two cities.”

So now that you have the perfect excuse to go, check out our list of things to do once you get to Israel here.