In the aviation industry, there are expectations for a "domino effect" following the ceasefire in the war in the north, which will lead to the gradual return of foreign airlines to Israel.
So far, only two airlines have announced the resumption of flights to Ben Gurion Airport. The first is the large low-cost airline, Wizz Air, which announced last night that it would gradually resume operations in Israel. Starting from December 20, the route from Tel Aviv to Larnaca will operate with four weekly flights. As part of the Larnaca route, the company offered a promotion – the first 1,000 tickets for €50 (approximately NIS 192) one-way. The company also stated that it would provide updates, if any, about other routes expected to resume on January 15.
Additionally, Azerbaijan Airlines announced that it would resume flights between Ben Gurion Airport and Baku at the end of this week – starting November 30.
However, major airlines are still examining developments and have not yet announced the resumption of flights. The estimates are that foreign airlines are waiting for additional updates regarding the ceasefire and the stability of the region.
An experienced aviation expert estimated in an interview with "Maariv" that even if large airlines from Europe and the U.S. decide to resume flights to Israel, it will be a gradual process that could last several months, partly due to operational constraints. "The planes are not idle; they have already been scheduled with crews for other destinations. Israel is not the center of the world, and in order to prepare operationally, it could take several weeks and be a gradual process," he explained.
It seems that if a major airline announces its decision to resume flights to Ben Gurion, it could create a "domino effect," with other large airlines following suit. However, until airlines return, high prices for flights to various destinations, including North America, will continue to be expensive.
The tourism industry is also closely monitoring the situation. According to Nir Mazor, VP of Marketing at Kishrey Teufa, following the ceasefire in Lebanon, the potential for aviation stability brings excellent news. "In the short term, we expect additional airlines to return, which will expand the supply and positively affect ticket prices, making them more accessible and competitive for consumers," he explained. "In addition, the reduction in security tensions and the return of stability will encourage an increase in demand for vacations and flights, especially ahead of Hanukkah and the end of the year."