Milan Bergamo Airport’s route network development has continued with the significant announcement of the Italian gateway’s new airline partner, Arkia Israeli Airlines’ link to Tel Aviv.

Set to commence on June 1st, Arkia will launch the airport’s first direct link to Israel.

Utilising the carrier’s 120-seat E195s, the twice weekly service will increase to three times weekly during the peak season.

Nir Dagan, chief executive, Arkia Group, explained: “Arkia is honoured to connect Milan Bergamo to Tel Aviv.

“Italy is always top of holiday destination list for the Israeli tourist, and we are delighted to also be able to give our Italian customers the opportunity to experience Israel.”

Attracting its 16th carrier, and looking beyond the airport’s traditionally low-cost carrier core, Milan Bergamo’s increasingly diverse range of airlines continues to expand along with its country markets.

Operating Bergamo’s first link to Tel Aviv, Arkia will add the airport’s 32nd country market, immediately gaining a 15 per cent share of weekly frequencies on the Milan-Tel Aviv market.

Commenting on the notable announcement, Giacomo Cattaneo, director of aviation, SACBO said: “Tel Aviv has always been a great attraction for our passengers, being the centre of business and commercial activities, as well as having a strong tourist appeal for a very diverse range of tourists: pilgrimage tours in the Holy Land or just city-breaks in the dynamic and never sleeping Tel Aviv.”

He added: “We’re so pleased Arkia has chosen to join Milan Bergamo, and have no doubt in the success of this service.”