An Arkia plane lands at Eilat Airport. (photo from Ashernet)
Ever since 1949, Eilat Airport has been an important link between the resort city of Eilat on the Red Sea and the busy central part of Israel. However, it is due to close later this year when the newly constructed Ramon Airport opens some 20 kilometres north of Eilat. The land that the Eilat Airport currently occupies will be used to build a new city centre consisting of hotels, shops and a residential area, as well as a new rail terminal.