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Ryanair CEO questions return to Israel amid conflict and airport fee disputes

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Ryanair CEO questions return to Israel amid conflict and airport fee disputes
Policy
Webp ryan
Michael O'Leary, CEO | Ryanair

Ryanair is reconsidering its return to Israel, citing ongoing military and geopolitical instability as well as operational frustrations. The Irish low-cost airline had planned to resume flights to and from Israel toward the end of October. However, recent remarks from Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair Group, suggest that these plans are uncertain.

O'Leary expressed dissatisfaction with Israeli airport authorities, specifically regarding the closure of Tel Aviv’s dedicated low-cost terminal. He indicated that if Ryanair were to return, it would have to operate from a more expensive terminal. According to comments reported by The Independent and Travel Tomorrow, O'Leary stated at Ryanair's AGM:

"There’s a real possibility that we won’t bother going back to Israel. Unless the Israelis get their act together and stop messing us around, frankly, we have far more growth elsewhere in Europe. This is going to be an ongoing issue for all airlines and all European citizens for the next number of years. The risk is one of continuous disruption, rather than of safety."

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Ryanair has had a complex relationship with Israel over recent years due to tensions in the Middle East. In 2024, it canceled flights between August 6 and September 30 because of "operational restrictions beyond our control." Other budget airlines such as easyJet and Wizz Air also withdrew services temporarily, leading Tel Aviv Airport to close Terminal 1, which served as the main facility for low-cost carriers.

Current schedules show Ryanair Group is set to resume flights to Tel Aviv from eight European airports on October 26. These operations would likely use Terminal 3 instead of the closed low-cost terminal.

Beyond Israel, Ryanair has also criticized Spanish airport authorities over increased fees. The airline announced it will cut about one million seats on Spanish routes this winter due to a planned 6.5% rise in airport charges next year aimed at funding expansion projects in Barcelona and Madrid (https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240910-frw24es). Most reductions will come from decreased flight frequencies on various routes; some destinations like Santiago de Compostela will lose service entirely.

Founded in 1985 and based in Ireland, Ryanair operates out of hubs including Dublin Airport, London Stansted Airport, and Milan Bergamo Airport.

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