The first low cost carrier flights linking the UK with Israel will launch this winter.

The flights are being operated by Thomsonfly from Luton and Manchester, and according to the carrier, should be popular with city break travellers looking for a new destination.

In addition, Thomsonfly hopes the route will be used by schools and religious groups for the purpose of cultural exchanges, as well as executive travellers on business.

According to the Israel Tourist Board, numbers of Britons visiting Israel increased this year, up three per cent in the first three months of 2007, compared with the previous year.

The organisation hopes that British tourists will extend their visit beyond Tel Aviv. Director Uzi Gafni, said: “With Jerusalem less than an hour's drive away and the Dead Sea about an hour and a half's drive, Tel Aviv is a perfect gateway to discovering a new side to Israel.”

The flights launch on November 1 and will cost from £79.99 one way or £139.98 return, including taxes and charges. As an incentive to book, Thomsonfly is offering a day’s free car renting in Israel. Thomsonfly will face competition on the route from two carriers that have operated flights between the UK and Israel for sometime: British Airways and El Al, which both offer flights from Heathrow.

There will be three flights a week from both Luton and Manchester airports, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

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