Wizz Air has officially resumed flights to Israel, marking its first return since the outbreak of conflict with Iran earlier this year. This Hungarian low-cost airline is the first European budget carrier to reinstigate services after a wave of suspensions by international airlines.
Flight Details and Destinations
The airline will operate flights to Tel Aviv from several major European cities. These cities include:
- London
- Rome
- Budapest
- Athens
- Larnaca
- Warsaw
- Milan
Wizz Air aims for a full flight schedule during the busy summer season.
Background and Safety Considerations
Prior to the conflict, Wizz Air was the largest foreign airline operating in Israel by passenger volume. The airline had plans to establish a hub at Ben-Gurion International Airport in the spring. However, following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, all international carriers halted operations in the area.
The resumption of flights follows a revised safety recommendation from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which has updated its guidance on operating within Israeli airspace.
Negotiations and Airline Industry Trends
The return of Wizz Air occurs in the context of lengthy negotiations to set up a hub in Israel. These talks had been paused due to frustrations from transportation officials regarding the airline’s previous flight suspensions.
In total, over a dozen international airlines have restarted services to Tel Aviv, including two carriers from the UAE. Additionally, several major European airlines plan to resume flights this summer. U.S. airlines are expected to return to Israel in the fall.
Wizz Air’s Market Position
As the third-largest low-cost carrier in Europe, Wizz Air operates behind Ryanair and EasyJet. Despite rising oil prices caused by the ongoing conflict, Wizz Air continues to offer competitive fares across Europe. The planned hub at Ben-Gurion could allow the airline to facilitate up to 30 daily flights to various destinations across the continent.
