FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A new air service is being offered at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
El Al, Israel’s flag carrier, has launched an inaugural year-round flight from Tel Aviv to Fort Lauderdale.
It comes amid major tensions in the Middle East after Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel.
The first flight on the new route arrived at FLL on Monday at 4:30 p.m. and was given a water cannon salute.
According to the airline, the flights will run twice a week, with departures on Monday and Saturday.
The first direct flight from FLL to Tel Aviv departed at 6:30 p.m. Monday.
David Krakauer was one of the first passengers to go to Tel Aviv with El Al, going back home for Passover.
“I’m excited, really excited to be the first flight out. It’s a monumental thing to be a part of,” he said. “I recently moved from Michigan, so we didn’t have any nonstop flights. Being able to come to Broward County, amazing, you just get on one flight.”
Alisa Jaffe was also on that same flight. She’s planning on visiting her family for three weeks.
“I am feeling excitement and hope, and I think this is wonderful for Israel tourism and for Florida,” Jaffe said.
Officials said the recent attacks on Israel by Iran did not impact the launch and that there is a large demand for flights to Tel Aviv from Fort Lauderdale.