Siterman: Foreign airlines to increase number of flights to Israel by 20% this winter

Israel's Civil Aviation Administration recently granted permits to ten airlines to add flights, including Air France, Delta Air Lines and Hapag-Lloyd Flug GmbH (HapagFly)
 
Ministry of Transport director general Gideon Siterman said last week that foreign airlines will increase this winter the number of flights to Israel by 20%, compared to last winter. He added that seat availability is expected to increase by 22%.
 
In a statement issued by the Ministry, Siterman said the increase in the number of foreign airlines, flying to Israel, along with the increase in flights and seats would undoubtedly intensify competition on some routes, and reduce El Al’s share of the Israeli aviation market.
 
It is understood that Israel's Civil Aviation Administration granted recently permits to ten airlines to add flights, including Air France, Delta Air Lines and Hapag-Lloyd Flug GmbH (HapagFly).
 
Following the statement issued by the Ministry El Al Israel Airlines said it was not planning to increase its flights or seats. The company said, however, that it plans to launch new routes to Beijing, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and other destinations.
 
Aviation circles in Israel noted that the number of flights and seats in the charter market is likely to decline due to the increase number of flights of scheduled airlines and a decline in pilgrim and tourist traffic.