Israel wants to attract more businessmen, investors and tourists from Japan.

Japanese government officials are currently visiting Israel. Discussions have been held to promote a direct line between Ben Gurion Airport and Tokyo. The interviews were conducted by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the participation of representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, a representative of the Civil Aviation Authority and the President of the Association of Travel Agents.

At this stage, discussions are focused on the possibility of operating a number of charter flights in the first half of 2019. If the number of ticket buyers meets expectations, these flights will become scheduled flights.

« Promoting direct flights from Japan and the Middle East is a central objective of the Asian Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, » said Gilad Cohen, Vice President for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A direct line attracts more businessmen, investors and tourists, and that’s what we’re aiming for.

The issue was raised by Prime Minister Netanyahu during Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Israel and is now leading to real negotiations. We welcome the talks and hope that flights from Japan will join the direct flights from China, Korea, India and Bangkok, which are already operating, and future flights from the Philippines.

Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said: « Encouraging airlines to open direct lines to Israel is one of the main activities we are undertaking to encourage tourism in Israel and I am convinced that the opening of new routes, mainly from destinations in the east of the country, will continue to increase incoming tourism to Israel and break the records we saw last year. »