Japan off the table: Arkia will not operate the Tokyo route

Arkia announced it will not operate the direct route to Tokyo, after months of trying to obtain approvals from Japanese authorities. The Japanese authorities currently do not allow flights under a wet lease arrangement, so the company has given up. El Al currently operates flights to Japan, and Israir is trying to advance approvals for its own route. The decision affects passengers who have already booked flights for October-November 2026.

Arkia announced it will not operate the direct route to Tokyo, after months of trying to obtain the required approvals from Japanese authorities. The company worked to advance the route using a wet-leased aircraft, but the Japanese authorities currently do not allow flights in this format. Consequently, Arkia decided not to open the route. Meanwhile, the company continues to work on obtaining approvals to operate flights using its own aircraft, but at this stage chose not to operate the route. As of now, El Al is the only Israeli company operating flights to Japan, and Israir is also working to obtain approvals for its own route. The decision affects passengers who have already booked flights to Tokyo scheduled for October 25 and 28, and November 1 and 5, 2026. Passengers are expected to receive an update from the company regarding their bookings and possible alternatives. For Israelis planning to fly to Japan, this means that at this stage no additional flight option will be added, and the expansion of supply depends on the progress of Israir's efforts and Arkia's ability to obtain approvals to operate the route using its own aircraft.