Ryanair Resumes Flights to Israel Amid Growing Airline Comeback

Travelers planning trips to Israel have more reasons to be optimistic as Ryanair prepares to resume flights to Tel Aviv. The budget airline, which had suspended service for nearly a year, is set to return with a full schedule this summer, according to CEO Eddie Wilson.

“We rely on European Union Aviation Safety Agency guidance, but our view is that we will be back,” Wilson told Reuters, adding that Ryanair expects most other airlines to follow suit.

According to the Israel Airport Authority (IAA), about one-third of the 80 airlines that operated in Tel Aviv before the war have already restarted service. Wizz Air, another budget carrier, is aggressively expanding its presence, launching seven new routes this week, including flights to Abu Dhabi, Budapest, Krakow, London, Milan, Rome, and Warsaw.

Meanwhile, major European airlines are also making their way back. Air France, British Airways, and the Lufthansa group are expected to resume flights next month, further stabilizing international air travel to Israel.

However, American carriers remain divided on their return. Delta plans to restart flights in April, but United Airlines and American Airlines continue to suspend their service indefinitely due to ongoing security concerns. While United and Delta made previous attempts to resume flights, escalating conflicts led to renewed suspensions, and American Airlines has remained absent since October 7, 2023.

The return of budget airlines may prompt the reopening of Terminal 1 at Ben-Gurion International Airport. The terminal, known for its streamlined operations and lower costs, was shuttered in October when passenger traffic dropped dramatically. With more flights coming back, reopening Terminal 1 could help reduce ticket prices, making travel more affordable for passengers.

El Al, Israel’s national airline, has maintained a dominant presence during this period. The carrier currently holds a 90% market share on North American routes and has seen its financial position strengthen significantly. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, El Al generated a cash flow of $320 million, a dramatic rise from $93 million in the same period of 2023. The airline’s overall net gains have surpassed $1 billion, while its financial debt has decreased to $376 million.

Despite the disruptions of the past year, Israeli travelers have remained active. Greece topped the list of popular destinations, with more than 1.8 million passengers, followed by the United States with approximately 1.4 million travelers. Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, and France also saw high passenger volumes, underscoring Israel’s continued connectivity with key global markets.

As airlines reestablish their routes, Israel’s position as a major travel hub is steadily being restored. The return of budget carriers and leading international airlines signals renewed confidence in the safety and stability of flights to Tel Aviv.

Israel remains open, thriving, and welcoming visitors from around the world. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to fellow travelers and stay connected for the latest developments in Israeli aviation.