Israir has won a government tender to operate regular, year-round flights connecting Eilat with central Israel, promising at least five daily flights and heavily subsidized fares for residents of Israel’s southernmost city.

Residents of Eilat and the Hevel Eilot region will be able to purchase one-way tickets for NIS 99, with dedicated seats reserved for eligible passengers. The tender requires at least four daily flights, divided between morning and evening service, but Israir committed to operating a minimum of five.

The airline must launch the new schedule within 45 days. The initial contract will run for one year, guaranteeing a consistent service for residents, workers, students and visitors rather than leaving the route entirely dependent on changing commercial demand.

The agreement is particularly significant for Eilat, whose geographic isolation makes dependable air travel far more than a tourism convenience. Residents regularly travel to central Israel for specialist medical treatment, academic studies, employment and other essential services.

“Ensuring continuous air service to and from Eilat is a fundamental prerequisite” for residents’ access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities, Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri said. He called on Israir to provide a reliable service that restores public confidence in the city’s flight network.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev described Eilat as a strategic center for tourism, employment and commerce, saying its residents deserve an affordable and accessible connection to the rest of Israel. The tender was issued jointly by the Transportation Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Unlike a temporary discount campaign, the arrangement creates a guaranteed minimum schedule, fixed resident pricing and reserved seat allocations. If implemented as promised, it will give Eilat residents a more predictable link to central Israel while strengthening the city’s economy and year-round accessibility.