Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Montenegro is among the first destinations to which Israeli tourists are returning, said Montenegro’s Honorary Consul in Israel, Nimrod Rinot, adding that an increase in the number of flights from Tel Aviv is expected in the coming weeks.

“In previous years, the number of weekly flights from Israel to Montenegro was the largest number of flights arriving at Tivat Airport from a single country, and if stability in the Middle East continues, the same will be true this year,” Rinot said.

Despite tensions in the Middle East, changing restrictions in air traffic, and a shortage of available aircraft caused by the partial return of foreign airlines to Israel, around three direct flights from Tel Aviv currently land at Tivat Airport every day this month, operated by Sundor, Israir, and Arkia. In the coming weeks, the number is expected to increase to around 25 flights per week.

Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv was closed for several days just two months ago, while the war with Iran almost completely paralyzed regular air traffic from Israel. Travel abroad by Israeli tourists was suspended, and uncertainty in the aviation industry was felt across the region.

Today, with the relative easing of the situation and the gradual restoration of air traffic, Israelis are returning to the most attractive destinations, where passengers and airlines feel safety, stability, and a sense of home, and Montenegro is among the first.

Rinot said that in recent weeks he had received calls from tourism workers, hoteliers, and businesspeople in Montenegro who expressed concern about hotel occupancy if flights from Israel were not restored.

“The fact that Montenegro is among the first destinations to which Israeli tourists are returning is no coincidence. It is the result of the long-standing warm relationship between Israel and Montenegro, the commitment of Israeli airlines to quickly restore routes, the country’s natural beauty, competitive prices, the sense of safety, and the warmth Israeli tourists feel from every host in Montenegro,” Rinot said.