New Seasonal Route Connects Bratislava and Tel Aviv
In addition to the direct Tel Aviv – Piešťany route, which has operated during the peak tourist season over the past two years, a new route now connects Israel with Bratislava. Flights from Tel Aviv will land in Slovakia’s capital every Thursday and in the spa town of Piešťany every Sunday.
On Thursday, May 29, the first tourists using this new connection arrived at M. R. Štefánik Airport. A plane from Tel Aviv will land in Piešťany on Sunday, June 1, the day after the ceremonial Opening of the 2025 Summer Spa Season.
Third season of the Tel Aviv-Piešťany route is the outcome of long-term collaboration between the Trnava Regional Tourism Organization (KOCR Trnavský kraj) and the Israeli company Overseas, made possible thanks to the support of the Trnava Self-Governing Region. Piešťany Airport remains the gateway to Slovakia for Israeli tourists, but their travel options are expanding.
“Tourists’ habits from different countries have changed significantly in recent years. This applies to Israeli travelers as well, who are increasingly coming to Slovakia not only for spa treatments and religious heritage but also for active recreation in the mountains or to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Expanding the well-established Tel Aviv – Piešťany flight route with a connection to Bratislava is a step toward better meeting the needs of visitors from this Middle Eastern country,” uviedol trnavský vicežupan Patrik Voltmann.
According to the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, over 18,000 Israelis visited Slovakia in 2024, generating nearly 63,000 overnight stays. A third of these (20,817) were spent in accommodations in the Trnava region, with an average of 9.2 nights per tourist. Interestingly, the number of Israeli tourists visiting Slovakia in March 2025 increased by 60% year-on-year. For the first quarter of 2025, the increase was 24%.
"Israel is becoming one of Slovakia’s key tourism source markets due to the relatively high number of visitors. The regular seasonal flight from Israel to Slovakia, along with the active presence of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL in Tel Aviv, will synergistically contribute to the development of inbound tourism. We promote Slovakia in Israel as a safe destination with a wide range of options for both active and relaxing holidays – beautiful nature, historic castles, and a strong spa tradition. A regular air connection with any country is always a strong impulse for tourism development, as easy and quick travel is one of the key criteria when choosing a holiday destination,” said Matej Fekete, Director General of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL.
“In cooperation with the Trnava Self-Governing Region and KOCR Trnavský kraj, we are opening the third season of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Piešťany. The interest of Israeli visitors in Slovakia continues to grow. We’re pleased to offer them more flexible arrival and departure options via airports in both the renowned spa town and the Slovak capital. This expansion better reflects their current travel needs,” said Pini Krainer of Overseas, KOCR Trnavský kraj’s (KOCR Trnava Region) Israeli partner.
“We appreciate the cooperation among tourism organizations as well as the exceptional collaboration between two nearby airports – Bratislava and Piešťany. We successfully reached an agreement with the airline, and this exemplary partnership helps us all contribute to the development of tourism in the western Slovakia region,” said Dušan Novota, CEO and Chairman of the Board at M. R. Štefánik Airport.
“For the third consecutive year, Piešťany Airport will welcome Israeli passengers during the summer season. We are pleased that our cooperation with Arkia Israeli Airlines, which began in 2022, continues. Travelers from Tel Aviv and the surrounding area can fly directly to our airport and easily access the world-renowned Piešťany spa, located just four kilometers away,” said Bohumil Klečák, Director of Piešťany Airport.
Flights from Tel Aviv to Bratislava and back are scheduled from May 29 to October 23, 2025, operating once a week, every Thursday. The carrier, Arkia Israeli Airlines, will operate the flights with an Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers. Arrival from Tel Aviv to Bratislava is scheduled for Thursdays at 19:55, with the return flight to Tel Aviv departing at 21:25.
During the same period, the seasonal Tel Aviv – Piešťany – Tel Aviv route will also operate regularly. Planes from Israel will land in Piešťany every Sunday. Tickets can be booked via KOCR Trnavský kraj (KOCR Trnava Region) and Overseas, and are also available through various international flight search engines.