Ryanair suspends Tel Aviv flights as Wizz Air expands presence

In contrast, Wizz Air plans a significant expansion in Tel Aviv during the same period. The Hungarian budget airline will offer one million seats across 18 direct routes for winter 2025/26, representing a capacity increase of 240% compared with last year. Destinations include several major European cities such as Budapest, Bucharest, Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, London Luton, Vienna, Warsaw, Kraków, and Vilnius.

Wizz Air also experienced disruptions over the summer due to regional security issues but resumed operations on August 8, 2025. Some flights continue operating from Terminal 3 rather than Terminal 1 because of reduced international traffic after October 7, 2023.

Wizz Air is also considering opening a new base at Ben Gurion Airport as part of broader Middle East expansion efforts following its withdrawal from Abu Dhabi. The proposal could see up to 30 daily flights operated by Wizz Air out of Tel Aviv. While Israel’s Transport Ministry supports this move, local airlines including El Al, Israir and Arkia Airlines have expressed opposition. They argue that increased competition could harm domestic carriers and national interests.

El Al sent a letter warning authorities about potential negative effects on “national resilience” and public safety if Wizz Air establishes a base in Israel. The airline pointed out that Israeli carriers continued flying during recent conflicts while foreign airlines suspended operations. Additionally, Israeli airlines face higher security-related costs compared with most foreign competitors.