Israelis Shift Winter Travel to Asia as Bookings Surge

As Israelis plan their upcoming winter getaways, travel preferences show a distinct eastward shift toward Asia, according to data from digital travel agency SkyGini. While European capitals and ski resorts have historically dominated the season, one in five bookings for the upcoming winter is now heading toward Asian destinations.

Asian Destinations Surge in Winter Bookings

Japan leads the region in growth, recording double the number of bookings compared to the same period last year. Other Asian hubs are experiencing even steeper climbs, with bookings to Hanoi, Vietnam, rising sixfold, and travel to Phuket, Thailand, increasing fivefold.

This shift coincides with foreign airlines resuming operations and the introduction of new direct routes to Asia. Arkia is scheduled to launch a direct route to Tokyo on October 25, followed by a new route to Manila, the Philippines, in January.

Airfares Remain Stable Despite Expansion

Despite the expansion of flight capacity, SkyGini estimates that airfares to Asia will likely remain at roughly last year's levels rather than declining in the near term. A key factor keeping prices steady is the attempted attack on a flydubai flight in late September, which has created uncertainty regarding when the airline will resume its eastern routes and whether Israeli travelers will choose to fly with the carrier.

The aviation industry is gradually recovering from the challenges of recent years, as reflected in the return of foreign airlines, the launch of new direct routes, and increased competition for Israeli travelers. The attempted attack on a flydubai aircraft could keep fares to Asia at similar levels, despite the expansion in capacity.

Gilad Arditi

Ski Travelers Shift Toward Georgia and Azerbaijan

Demand for ski vacations remains steady at approximately 9% of winter bookings, but travelers are exploring new locations. An increasing number of vacationers are selecting Gudauri ski resort in Georgia, accessible via Tbilisi. The combination of rising popularity and a large volume of airlines operating flights to Georgia has driven average airfares to Tbilisi down by about 22% compared to last year.

Azerbaijan is also attracting more winter sports enthusiasts, with bookings to Baku climbing 3.3-fold compared to the winter of 2025. This broader pivot toward more affordable ski destinations has contributed to a 13% overall decline in airfares for ski vacations.

Hanukkah Holiday Travel Prefers Shorter Stays

Family vacations during the Hanukkah holiday have climbed 2.7-fold compared to 2025, though travelers are choosing shorter trips. Nearly half of all holiday bookings, exactly 47%, last four nights or fewer, marking an increase from 35% during the previous Hanukkah. Popular choices for these short breaks include nearby European capitals such as Prague, Bucharest, and Budapest.

Within the broader European market, Israeli airlines' share of flights has decreased from 61% to 53%. The shift reflects the return of Wizz Air and other foreign carriers to the region.