In response to the sudden closure of Israeli airspace following military action against Iran, hundreds of flights were canceled at short notice, leaving thousands of Israelis abroad scrambling for ways home. To address the disruption, Arkia announced that it will operate special round-trip flights between Athens and Taba, Egypt, beginning March 1 and available for purchase through Arkia’s website and travel agents.

These services, operated in cooperation with Electra Airways on Airbus A320 aircraft, are intended to allow passengers to fly into Taba, then cross overland into Israel at the Taba border crossing, or vice versa, offering a vital bypass while direct flights remain suspended. Fares start at about $359 one way, excluding baggage fees, with itineraries scheduled multiple times over the coming days.

The schedule is as follows:

March 1, 2026

12:50 p.m. – Athens to Taba (3E9214)

4:40 p.m. – Taba to Athens (3E9215)

March 2, 2026

5 a.m. – Athens to Taba (3E9212)

8:50 a.m. – Taba to Athens (3E9215)

12:50 p.m. – Athens to Taba (3E9214)

4:40 p.m. – Taba to Athens (3E9215)

With air travel severely limited, many travelers have also been exploring other routes — including land crossings from Jordan and private ferry services from Cyprus costing roughly €1,500 per person — while El Al prepares “rescue” flights for ticket holders once airspace reopens, while not allowing new bookings through March 22nd.