Anyone here flown to Israel (from Australia) before?

[Robbie J]

I may be in Israel next month (February 2024) for work-related purposes, but I notice that many airlines who previously serviced Israeli airports are not flying there at present due to the Gaza conflict.

Direct flights from Australia to Israel have never been an option, but it looks like I can get to Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion Airport) via connecting flights from Bangkok, Singapore or Dubai.

Either way, it looks like Israel is not a cheap destination in terms of airfares or hotel rooms. Has anyone taken a flight to Israel and can offer advice on the best travel option? It's a long commute time.

Flights out of Bangkok may be cheaper overall, but I will be flying on airlines I've never flown with before.

I have always handled my own flight bookings and itinerary, but I was talking to a travel agency staff member who told me that the company he works for charges a fee for looking into flight price/comparisons. That fee was upwards of $100, which amazes me. I'd never heard of being charged a fee just to be told the various options!