With the ongoing regional tensions that have led other airlines to scale back their services, Arkia's decision to introduce the route is all the more noteworthy.
An airline spokesperson said, "We are thrilled to launch this new route and provide Israeli football fans with direct access to the captivating world of English football. We are confident that it will be a success."
Journalist Angela Epstein, a member of the Manchester Jewish community, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by those travelling to Israel. “Many people currently have to take connecting flights or make the long journey down to London, which can be quite inconvenient,” she explained.
“This new route is long overdue and very much needed.”
However, Epstein also noted that the flight schedule could be improved for Orthodox Jews looking to make weekend trips for Shabbos. “It’s unfortunate that flights are limited to just Fridays and Mondays, as that doesn't work well for those wanting to travel for the weekend,” she pointed out.
With Manchester housing the second-largest Jewish community in the UK, along with nearby communities in Leeds and Liverpool, the new service will benefit travellers eager for a direct link to Israel.
The new route reflects the growing enthusiasm for Premier League football across the world.
