Return of Foreign Airlines to Bring Fare Moderation for Israeli Travelers

By Aryeh Stern

Following a prolonged period of avoidance due to the ongoing war against Hamas, multiple international airlines are set to resume operations at Ben Gurion Airport in the coming month.

The increased competition, with carriers like Wizz Air, Cyprus Airways, Air India, United Airlines, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines, and EasyJet, aims to alleviate the currently high fare levels. However, the cautious return of airlines, coupled with reduced demand and the lingering impact of the war, suggests a departure from the typical summer travel scenario.

While local demand is gradually rising, uncertainties persist, affecting travel patterns and preferences. Arkia CEO Oz Berelowitz anticipates a shift in consumer behavior, leading to spontaneous, short-duration vacations. The article notes fluctuations in travel trends, such as a decline in average stay durations and shifting preferences for nearby destinations. Industry insiders suggest that while competition may initially result in high prices, the return of foreign airlines will ultimately impact fare dynamics, potentially prompting El Al to adjust its pricing strategy.

Notably, the absence of Turkish Airlines from the Israeli market has reshaped travel patterns, redirecting connecting flights through alternative hubs in Greece, Cyprus, and the UAE.