MONTREAL — Air Transat will be the only airline to offer direct flights to Israel from Montreal when it begins twice weekly service starting June 18, on A330-300 aircraft.

Also available from Toronto with a connection in Montreal, the nonstop flights between Montréal Trudeau airport and David Ben-Gurion will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays until late October.

Along with air Transat will also be offering packages, guided tours and hotels.

“We are thrilled to feature our very first destination in the Middle East,” says Annick Guérard, President and General Manager of Transat Tours Canada. “The demand for a direct Montreal-Tel Aviv flight was high for travellers visiting friends and family in the two cities and those in search of new discoveries. Tel Aviv is a vibrant and modern metropolis with plenty to offer when it comes to culture, gastronomy and nightlife. It is also the ideal gateway for a vacation immersing travellers in ancient and religious history.”

Ziv Nevo Kulman, the Consul General of Israel in Montreal and its Permanent Representative to ICAO, called the announcement great news for Quebecers eager for the re-establishment of a direct air link between Montreal and Israel, “Thanks to this direct flight, more Israelis will also be able to enjoy the 150th and 375th anniversary festivities in Canada and Montreal,” he added.

The opening of an air route is further proof of the success of Israel’s marketing efforts and that airlines view Israel as a sought-after tourism destination with economic potential, noted Yariv Levin, the Israeli Minister of Tourism, adding that Israel views Transat “as a partner that will help increase the numbers of tourists arriving in Israel”. He said he hopes to see additional routes opening soon.

Air Transat’s weekly seat capacity out of Montreal is up 20% compared to 2016.

The Tel Aviv flights will be available for booking soon, says Air Transat.