Direct flights to a popular destination that everyone was waiting for have been canceled

Israeli airline Arkia announced the cancellation of direct flights to Tokyo, scheduled for late October 2026. The reason is the lack of permission from Japanese authorities for flights using a leased aircraft with crew. Passengers are offered alternative routes, a 10% discount on another destination, or a full refund. El Al remains the only Israeli carrier on this route.

Israeli airline Arkia announced the cancellation of direct flights to Tokyo, which were supposed to begin in late October 2026. The reason is the lack of permission from Japanese authorities to operate flights using an aircraft leased with crew. The decision affects passengers who purchased tickets for October 25 and 28, as well as November 1 and 5. Passengers with tickets for later dates do not need to make changes yet. Arkia offers three options: travel to Tokyo via Bangkok or Hanoi, change the destination with a 10% discount, or receive a full refund. The cancellation means that El Al remains the only Israeli airline operating direct flights to Tokyo. Arkia's entry into this route was expected to increase competition and create conditions for lower ticket prices. The company continues negotiations with Japanese authorities and is considering the possibility of operating flights with its own aircraft. This is not the first time Arkia has announced the opening of a new route and then canceled plans — the company previously abandoned the launch of flights to Ho Chi Minh City.