Published on
December 5, 2025
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is set to reconnect with Tel Aviv, Israel, as Belavia Belarusian Airlines resumes its historically significant flight route on January 8, 2026. This eagerly anticipated service marks the return of direct air travel between Belarus and Israel, a link that has been suspended since February 2022. The Minsk-Tel Aviv route, which was first introduced in 1995, holds special significance for both countries, especially for tourism, business travel, and family connections. After a gap of several years, the renewed service will strengthen the bond between Israel and Belarus, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and the restoration of air links that were once vital for international connectivity.
The flight will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, offering a convenient 6-hour travel time to Israel and a 6-hour 25-minute return flight to Minsk. Belavia will use a Boeing 737-8 aircraft for these services, featuring both business-class cabins and hot meals onboard, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers.
This is a key development for Belavia, which has been steadily rebuilding its network after the suspension of various routes due to external factors. It also highlights the ongoing cooperation between Israel and Belarus as both nations look to bolster their travel connections and boost tourism and business activity. Furthermore, Arkia Airlines, the leading Israeli carrier, is also entering the fray by launching flights from Tel Aviv to Minsk starting on February 2, 2026. With direct flights from both airlines, full connectivity will once again be restored between Israel and Belarus, opening up exciting opportunities for international travelers.
Minsk-Tel Aviv: Restoring Direct Air Connectivity
The return of direct flights between Minsk and Tel Aviv will have an immediate positive impact on Belarus-Israel relations. These flights will restore an important travel route that has been in high demand for both tourists and business travelers. Since the service was suspended, those wishing to travel between the two cities had to rely on connecting flights, making the journey longer and less convenient. The resumption of Belavia’s flights will provide a direct, time-efficient way for travelers to get from Minsk to Tel Aviv in less than seven hours, which is a major convenience for both leisure and business passengers.
Not only will the resumed flights bring much-needed convenience to those traveling between these two countries, but they will also help revitalize tourism and economic cooperation. The two cities are known for their vibrant cultures, historical landmarks, and business potential, and this flight route will ensure that people can experience all of these offerings without the hassle of indirect travel routes. Tel Aviv, with its lively atmosphere and bustling economy, is one of the top tourist destinations in Israel, while Minsk, with its rich history and modern charm, continues to be a growing hub for visitors interested in exploring the Eastern European region.
Flight Details: Belavia’s Minsk–Tel Aviv Service
Belavia’s return to Tel Aviv promises a seamless and comfortable travel experience for passengers. Here are the key details of the flight service:
Departure from Minsk: 07:10 (Thursdays and Sundays)Arrival in Tel Aviv: 12:20 (same day)Departure from Tel Aviv: 13:15 (Thursdays and Sundays)Arrival in Minsk: 20:40 (same day)Aircraft: Boeing 737-8, featuring business-class seating and hot meals.Flight Duration: 6 hours 10 minutes to Israel, 6 hours 25 minutes on the return.
This renewed service will give travelers a chance to experience not only the comfort of Belavia’s premium cabins but also the beautiful scenery of the Mediterranean Sea as they travel from Eastern Europe to Israel. The Boeing 737-8 will ensure a smooth, enjoyable flight, with ample space, great food, and excellent service, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Arkia Airlines Joins the Route: Tel Aviv to Minsk
In addition to Belavia, Arkia Airlines, a prominent Israeli carrier, will launch its own flights between Tel Aviv and Minsk on February 2, 2026. This will mark the full restoration of direct air travel between the two cities, with two weekly flights operating on Mondays and Fridays. The flights will be approximately 4 hours from Tel Aviv to Minsk and 3.5 hours on the return, offering additional flexibility for passengers. Ticket prices for Arkia flights start at USD 249, and bookings are already available for February and March 2026.
This development will make it easier for passengers to choose from two reputable carriers, making the Minsk-Tel Aviv route more accessible and convenient than ever. With both Belavia and Arkia now providing direct flights, travelers can benefit from increased competition, better services, and more flight options.
Benefits for Tourism, Business, and Family Travel
The return of direct flights between Minsk and Tel Aviv is expected to have significant positive effects on several key sectors, particularly:
Tourism: Both Belarus and Israel are rich in cultural history and offer diverse travel experiences. Direct flights will make it easier for tourists from both countries to visit attractions like the Holy Land in Israel and the historical monuments of Minsk and other Belarusian cities.Business Travel: The Minsk-Tel Aviv route will provide greater access to Israel’s thriving business ecosystem, which includes the tech sector, investment opportunities, and trade relations between the two countries.Family Visits: Given the historical connections between the Jewish community in Belarus and Israel, the return of direct flights will help reunite families separated by geographical distance, facilitating more frequent visits and connections between loved ones.
Restoration of the Minsk-Tel Aviv Route: A Vital Reconnection
The direct Minsk-Tel Aviv flights are much more than just an air travel option. They represent the reconnection of Belarus and Israel in terms of cultural ties, tourism, and business cooperation. The route, which has been operational since 1995, has always been an important link between Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The resumption of flights symbolizes the growing importance of Belarus as a tourism and business hub, while simultaneously enhancing Israel’s accessibility to Eastern European markets.
The flights will also have a strategic impact on both countries’ economies, promoting the exchange of ideas, investment, and tourism, which will benefit the wider region. For Belavia, the resumption of this popular route signifies a return to international routes that are important for their long-term growth strategy. The airline continues to expand its network, and this flight is an essential part of rebuilding its international connections.
Looking Ahead: Stronger Connectivity Between Belarus and Israel
With the addition of Arkia Airlines to the Minsk-Tel Aviv route and the return of Belavia to Israel, direct air connectivity between Belarus and Israel is stronger than ever. This is an exciting development for travelers, businesses, and families in both countries. In addition to tourism and business growth, the restoration of flights also contributes to the growing ties between Israel and Belarus, strengthening their collaboration in the fields of culture, commerce, and international cooperation.
Conclusion
The Minsk-Tel Aviv flight resumption by Belavia and the introduction of Arkia Airlines on the route is a milestone in the reconnection of Belarus and Israel. With direct flights available starting in 2026, the convenience for travelers will increase, while the benefits for tourism, business, and family travel will be substantial. Both Belavia and Arkia are now offering passengers the flexibility to travel between Eastern Europe and the Middle East, providing new opportunities for international travel and cross-border collaboration.
