Argentina and Israel Eye Launch of Direct Flights Between Buenos Aires and Tel Aviv
The Argentine government, through its ambassador to Israel, Axel Wahnish, has signaled the potential launch of direct flights between Buenos Aires and Tel Aviv. The formal announcement is expected to be made by President Javier Milei during his official visit to Israel, scheduled for June 10–12.
Ambassador Wahnish first revealed the news, highlighting the symbolic importance of this potential air link. “We are going to announce the direct flight from Tel Aviv to Buenos Aires,” he said, describing the initiative not as a technical detail but as a symbolic gesture of unity between the two peoples. He emphasized that such a route would mark “a turning point” by boosting economic, tourism, and cultural ties, adding that he once considered such a project “impossible.”
In statements to Radio Mitre, Wahnish confirmed that the flights would be operated non-stop by Israeli flag carrier El Al, with an estimated flight time of 15 to 16 hours. Given the route’s length—more than 12,000 kilometers—El Al would likely deploy its Boeing 787-8 or 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, or its remaining Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, all of which have the range to cover the distance between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport. The 787-9, for example, has a published range of around 14,000 kilometers, while the 787-8 can fly approximately 13,500 kilometers—both sufficient for the projected journey.
Wahnish also detailed the government-level discussions behind the initiative, including his direct involvement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the project. “It was a conversation I had with the Prime Minister. I told him we need to demonstrate the bond we share,” Wahnish said. He attributed the momentum to President Milei’s “very strong humanitarian stance with Israel,” calling the proposed route “a very concrete show of that.” The ambassador described Netanyahu’s response as swift: “After a 10-minute chat, he picked up the phone and activated the flight.”
Wahnish explained that El Al’s potential selection as the operating airline is due to the need for significant governmental and financial support at the outset.
The backdrop for this potential announcement will be President Milei’s state visit to Israel, during which he will also receive the so-called “Jewish Nobel Prize” and sign a bilateral cooperation memorandum focused on counterterrorism efforts. The visit is seen as part of Argentina’s strong, ongoing support for Israel, particularly in the wake of the events of October 7, 2023.
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