אל על | אטמוספירה

the day of landing: all passengers were invited to a gala dinner at Tirana’s Presidential Palace. All passengers were personally invited by Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, who is considered a close friend of Israel. The kosher meal was marked by warm and cordial hospitality in the finest Albanian tradition, and featured a performance by a local opera singer, who sang also in Hebrew. The Prime Minister greeted the guests with warmth and noted that Albania will always be a second home for Israelis. The festive event was also attended by the Israeli Ambassador to Albania, Galit Peleg, Albanian Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, and senior government officials. Sundor’s new flight route to Albania - a popular destination for the summer of 2025 - will operate three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (return flight to Israel on Saturday night).

Sundor launches new flight route to Tirana, Albania with inaugural flight and presidential dinner

Photos by Eriona Cami The gala dinner I Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama (on the left) and Sundor CEO Gal Gershon

Sundor, a subsidiary of EL AL Israel Airlines, launched its new flight route from Tel Aviv to Tirana, Albania in early April. The flight departed following a festive ceremony held at Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 1. The traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Mrs. Meri Kumbo, Albanian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Sani Sanievich, Honorary Consul Established in 1984, the “Hayim Association” is dedicated to improving recovery rates among children battling cancer. The association supports life-saving initiatives in pediatric oncology departments across Israel and is run by a volunteer-based board of directors and a CEO/ Chairperson – all of whom serve without pay. Recognizing how essential it is for families to take a break, the association created a unique tradition: a rejuvenating journey for parents of children with cancer. The association recently organized a trip to Romania for 26 mothers as part of this initiative.

of Albania in Israel, and Mr. Gal Gershon, CEO of Sundor, as well as all the passengers on the flight. Upon landing in Tirana, the aircraft was honored with a water salute, and passengers were warmly welcomed with traditional sweets. The flight received extensive coverage in the local media, with particular attention given to the unusual event that took place on

EL AL joined with the “Hayim Association” for the benefit of parents of children with cancer

Photo by Sharon Shani

The goal was to rest, recharge, find strength, and connect in a warm, supportive environment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to EL AL for helping to make this meaningful journey possible. It gave these mothers a chance to relax, regain their strength, and return to

their children with renewed energy and hope. A special thank you goes to the EL AL employees who volunteered to join the trip and played an important role in its success. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.hayim.org.il.

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ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025