Residents of northern Israel who want to go on a ski vacation in Bulgaria can forget about the trip to Ben Gurion Airport. Air Haifa announces a new route to Sofia, which will begin operating in January 2026, with a launch price of $79 one way for three days only.
Flights to Sofia will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, in a seasonal schedule until the end of March 2026. Flight duration is expected to be approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. The flights will be operated by the airline’s new ATR 72-600 aircraft.
The new route is designed to meet the high demand during the ski season for Borovets and Bansko, alongside short city breaks in Sofia.
"No More Exhausting Trip to Ben Gurion"
Dana Rubin, Air Haifa’s Vice President of Customer Experience, explains the advantage: "Our new Haifa-to-Sofia route was born from the clear demand of northern residents for smart, convenient, and affordable travel." According to her, "Bulgaria has become one of the hottest destinations for ski vacations, with excellent resorts for all levels, accessible prices, and a short flight."
Rubin emphasizes the benefit of flying from Haifa: "When you combine this with the convenience of departing from Haifa—without the exhausting trip to Ben Gurion, no traffic, no queues, and no parking fees—it simply makes the vacation much lighter and more enjoyable from the very first moment."
Flexible Tickets, but No Ski Equipment
All Air Haifa tickets are Flex type, which include the option to change or cancel (in exchange for future credit) up to 24 hours before departure, a free carry-on bag, and the option to add a trolley, suitcase, or pre-assigned seat as needed.
However, there is an important caveat: According to the company’s policy, Air Haifa flights do not allow ski equipment or special sports gear. Passengers planning a ski vacation will need to rent equipment locally or manage with alternative options.