Wizz Air Resumes Israel Flights After Conflict Pause
European Carrier Returns to Ben Gurion Airport
Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has recommenced its services to Israel, marking a significant step in the gradual restoration of air connectivity. The airline’s first flight back landed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Friday.
Cyprus Route Reinstated
The carrier’s return began with a flight originating from Larnaca Airport in Cyprus. This marks the initial stage of Wizz Air’s operational restart in the region.
A Key Player in Israeli Air Travel
In the year leading up to October 2023, Wizz Air was a dominant foreign airline in Israel, facilitating travel for approximately 2 million passengers. According to the Israel Airports Authority, it was the most active foreign carrier.
Navigating Regional Instability
Before the recent multi-front conflict that commenced in October 2023, Wizz Air maintained a robust schedule, offering over 100 weekly flights connecting Israel with 28 European cities. However, persistent regional instability has caused intermittent service suspensions and schedule adjustments.
Future Expansion Planned
Following the successful relaunch from Larnaca, Wizz Air intends to progressively reintroduce flights from additional European cities to Israel in the upcoming weeks.
A recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates a global rebound in air travel demand, with passenger numbers nearing pre-pandemic levels in many regions, suggesting a positive outlook for airline operations returning to normalcy. (IATA)