American Airlines is flying three times a week to Israel starting today (June 4) from Miami and also plans to fly three times a week from Dallas/Ft. Worth in September. Add these flights to the May 6 daily launch of flights from NYC, and American has become a major partner for Israel from the USA
Speaking to travel advisors in Miami, Eyal Carlin, director North America for the Israel Ministry of Tourism, said, “You are the engine to help us bring back travelers to Israel.” Carlin also thanked Rafael Despradel, channel sales manager for American Airlines for their partnership.
Israel has a plan to return tourism to Israel safely. They are allowing 20 groups of five-30 people to travel from the USA to Israel through the end of June. “We are monitoring the situation very closely,” said Yael Golan, director for the Southern Region USA for Israel Ministry of Tourism, “and we are hoping to bring more groups and eventually FIT travel back by fall.” She added, “We can see a real pent-up demand, so we are very hopeful.”
As of press time, the country has been welcoming vaccinated group tours (as of May 23). Following will be the eventual return of fully vaccinated individual tourists.
In addition, all visitors will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test before boarding a flight to Israel, as well as take an antibody test upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport to prove the vaccination status. With time, officials are looking for a vaccine passport with the goal of eliminating the antibody test requirement.
All travelers heading to Israel must currently test negative for COVID-19 with a PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight, or have proof of vaccination. Travelers must also then quarantine for at least 10 days, according the the U.S. Embassy in Israel. The country is currently testing out home isolation with an electronic tracking bracelet for the required quarantine for travelers, in the past only a hotel stay was required.
For more information, visit aa.com.
For more updates from American Airlines, click here.
