Israel's Air Travel Boom: Major Airlines Resume Operations with Competitive Fares

In the span of just three weeks, 14 leading airlines have announced the resumption of operations to and from Israel, marking a significant recovery in air travel. Hundreds of additional weekly flights are expected to return to Ben Gurion Airport, offering Israeli travelers more options and competitive fares.

The return of airlines began with budget carriers like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet, who announced the addition of flights to European destinations. Following suit were major European airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France, who will provide greater access to cities like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna. Even Delta Airlines, which was anticipated to be among the last to return, has confirmed its plans to resume flights, further expanding options for travelers.

Among the most anticipated announcements is the return of Air India, which halted services to Israel in August. With its resumption set for March, travelers can now book direct flights between Tel Aviv and Delhi starting at $428. The return of Air India will also increase flight options to East Asia, providing an alternative to UAE carriers that currently serve as connecting hubs.

As airlines return, ticket prices are expected to remain competitive. Low-cost carriers are especially appealing, with direct round-trip tickets to various European destinations available for under $200. However, major European airlines like Air France and British Airways offer higher prices, with round-trip flights to Paris and London starting at $500 and $450, respectively.

In contrast, flights to the US have yet to see significant drops in prices. Arkia and Delta are resuming flights to New York, but return fares start at $1,040, and prices can reach over $2,000 for popular dates. This high price point stems from a shortage of flights to North America, with between 12-15 weekly flights still missing.

In addition to resuming flights, many of the airlines have worked with Israel’s Knesset to amend the Air Services Law, which would reduce their financial liabilities during periods of flight cancellations. The state is expected to support the airlines with subsidies for flights to North America, with the government allocating up to NIS 15 million to promote competition against El Al and US airlines. This initiative is especially relevant as Delta and United Airlines are expected to return soon, while other carriers like American Airlines and Air Canada remain uncertain.

While the air travel situation is improving, there are still challenges. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus, which had operated a significant number of flights to Israel pre-war, are still undecided about their next move, with some slots at Ben Gurion Airport at risk of being reassigned to other airlines.

The wave of returning airlines signals a bright future for Israel's aviation industry, but challenges remain, especially with long-haul routes to the US and other parts of the world. The government’s support for Israeli airlines and efforts to reopen Terminal 1 for low-cost carriers are expected to further stimulate competition, benefiting consumers with more affordable travel options.