First Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong lands in Tel Aviv

The first Cathay Pacific airlines flight from Hong Kong to Israel landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning.

The air carrier has infused new competition into the local market since announcing in October 2016 that it would provide round-trip service between Israel and the Far East financial hub four times a week.

El Al, which used to be the lone carrier providing direct flights between the two destinations, announced last week that it would be introducing bargains of its own for the increasingly popular route. The airline has began offering bargain prices for passengers, even providing them with various benefits that include amusement park tickets, the Globes financial daily reported.

Those who book with the Israeli airline in groups of four or more during the months of May to August will receive free entry to Ocean Park. Couples who book a trip during May or June will receive a free night at a Hong Kong hotel.

A recent liberalization in Israel’s air travel market has seen several foreign airlines look to add flights to Tel Aviv. Air India announced its entry last month.