Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Hungary’s Wizz Air Leads the Charge in Restoring European Flights to Tel Aviv

Published on
August 8, 2025 |

Hungary’s budget airline Wizz Air has officially reopened routes to Israel as part of the country’s aviation recovery efforts after the recent conflict in the region. Wizz Air, which was the first European low-cost airline to stop flying to Israel due to the conflict, has now become the first to return to Bank Gidon International Airport.

Gradual Return to Full Operations

Wizz Air has started operating flights from 10 routes across eight countries, including key destinations in the United Kingdom. The airline’s gradual resumption is expected to reach full service by next month, with flights operating on 24 routes connecting Israel to 11 countries. This phased return reflects a careful approach, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the airline’s services.

The move is particularly notable as Wizz Air is the first European low-cost carrier to resume flights to Tel Aviv following the regional unrest. This decision highlights the airline’s commitment to its international network and to maintaining a vital link between Israel and Europe.

Industry Reactions and the Significance for Israel’s Aviation Sector

Wizz Air’s decision to restart flights to Tel Aviv has garnered praise from industry leaders. Mark Feldman, CEO of Ziontours in Jerusalem, commended the airline for its confidence in Israel, noting that, unlike other international carriers that delayed or suspended their operations, Wizz Air has chosen to resume flights despite challenges.

The resumption of service by Wizz Air is seen as a significant boost for Israel’s tourism and aviation sectors, signaling a return to normalcy for the country’s international travel. As Israel continues to recover from the regional challenges, the decision by Wizz Air to maintain its presence in the market reinforces the stability of Israel’s aviation infrastructure.

Other International Airlines Set to Resume Flights

Wizz Air’s return is part of a broader trend among international airlines to renew service to Israel. Fly Dubai, Air France, and Air Europa have already resumed flights, capitalizing on the busy summer travel season. Additionally, several major American and European carriers are planning to follow suit:

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, is expected to resume flights to Tel Aviv in October.EasyJet, another UK-based low-cost carrier, is expected to delay its return until next spring.Delta Air Lines is expected to restart its flights to Israel next month.British Airways and ITA Airways are expected to resume operations by October.

These developments indicate the steady recovery of Israel’s international aviation sector, which has been recovering after the recent regional events disrupted air travel. The reopening of Terminal 1 at Ben-Gurion International Airport for low-cost and domestic carriers has also helped manage the growing demand.

Increased Air Traffic and Ben-Gurion’s Role in Recovery

Ben-Gurion International Airport has seen a significant uptick in air traffic, with 80,000 passengers passing through on Thursday, supported by 470 international flights. This was the busiest day at the airport since the October 2023 incidents. The airport’s ability to manage this increase in traffic highlights its ongoing role as a major international hub, even as Israel recovers from regional challenges.

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) continues to implement measures to ensure smooth operations, accommodating the growing number of flights and passengers. The airport’s infrastructure remains a critical element of Israel’s economic recovery and tourism rebound.

Wizz Air’s Strategic Hub Discussions with Israel

Wizz Air is also in talks with Israeli officials about the possibility of establishing a hub at Ben-Gurion International Airport. This potential development could further strengthen the airline’s operations in Israel, increasing the number of flights and destinations served. Hungary’s close relationship with Israel, both politically and economically, plays a significant role in facilitating these discussions.

The establishment of a hub at Ben-Gurion would enhance connectivity between Israel and Europe, encouraging further growth in tourism and business travel. This move would also reflect the broader strengthening of bilateral ties between Israel and Hungary, which continue to play a key role in the region’s aviation sector.

In A Nut Shell

The return of Wizz Air to Israel signifies a critical turning point in the resumption of flights to Israel as well as in Israel’s tourism sector. Wizz Air’s decision as the first European low-cost carrier to resume operations is both a reflection of the airline’s faith in Israel’s security situation and a sign of the recovering international travel landscape. With more international airlines in the pipeline to resume operations, and passenger traffic on the rise at Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel is on its way to re-establishing its position as a dominant international travel hub.

The resurgence underscores the steadfastness of Israel’s aviation systems, the burgeoning vigor of the country’s tourism industry, and international partnerships in rebuilding air travel connectivity. As Israel recovers, the resumption of operations by Wizz Air and other international airlines will be advantageous to Israel and its tourism prospects in the near future.

Image Credit  Wizz Air