El Al raises national security concerns over Wizz Air's proposed Tel Aviv base

El Al also noted that during recent conflicts only Israeli airlines continued operations while foreign carriers suspended service. It said Israeli carriers shoulder higher security costs that foreign competitors do not face.

The airline warned: “Permitting Wizz Air to establish its base could lead to more foreign carriers pushing Israeli airlines out of the market.” El Al added this could create a “dangerous precedent” for other foreign airlines considering similar moves. With an operational base in Tel Aviv, Wizz would be able to keep staff overnight and access more favorable flight times.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding whether Wizz Air will operate under its own Air Operators License (AOC) or be required to set up an Israeli subsidiary. A model similar to Wizz Air Abu Dhabi—where the airline created a local offshoot—has been discussed, though such arrangements come with regulatory hurdles. If granted only an operational base, Wizz could fly from Israel only to European destinations; with an Israeli subsidiary it could expand beyond Europe. The airline reportedly prefers using Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion due to lower costs suited for its business model.

Wizz Air CEO József Váradi is expected in Israel next month for further negotiations. Transport Minister Miri Regev supports the deal but it still faces resistance from civil aviation authorities.

Wizz Air resumed flights into Israel earlier than planned this summer and currently operates routes including Budapest, Cyprus, and London. By year-end, it aims to serve over 20 destinations from Tel Aviv, adding new routes such as Cluj-Napoca, Naples, Thessaloniki in October, and Venice in December.

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