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Several airlines to reinstate flights to Israel in coming weeks
Several airlines, including El Al, Arkia, and foreign carriers like Blue Bird, Etihad, and Wizz Air, have announced plans to resume flights to Israel in the coming weeks following the ceasefire with Iran. The Israel Airports Authority and Transport Ministry are working to expand operations at Ben-Gurion Airport, though full recovery is expected to take time.
Multiple reports from the Jerusalem Post detail a coordinated effort by Israeli and foreign airlines to resume flight operations to and from Israel in the coming weeks, following the ceasefire announced with Iran. Coverage highlights both the cautious approach of Israeli carriers and the faster return of some foreign airlines, while noting that full restoration of service will be gradual.
Key Claims
Arkia Israeli Airlines aims to resume its full flight schedule by May 3, but cautions that the current framework remains "influenced by the security situation," according to a statement reported by the Jerusalem Post.
The Israel Airports Authority and the Transport Ministry are examining plans to expand flight activity at Ben-Gurion Airport, as reported by multiple Jerusalem Post articles. Authorities are focusing on increasing passenger capacity per flight, with narrow-body aircraft expected to accommodate up to 120 passengers and wide-body aircraft up to 150, with changes potentially coming into effect next week.
El Al will resume flights to nine additional destinations, including Boston, London Luton, Tivat, Krakow, Marseille, Sofia, Paphos, Rhodes, and Thessaloniki, according to the airline's announcement on social media. This will bring its total destinations to approximately 40.
Foreign airlines including TUS Airways, Etihad, and Ethiopian Airlines will resume flight operations to and from Ben-Gurion Airport, per the Israel Airports Authority.
Greek carrier Blue Bird will be the first foreign carrier to return to Israel since the skies largely closed following the start of Operation Roaring Lion, resuming flights on Sunday, according to a KAN report.
Etihad will begin flying to Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday, operating two daily flights in each direction on its Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv route, as reported by KAN.
Wizz Air will restart services to Ben-Gurion on April 25, initially offering flights on its Budapest-Tel Aviv service, according to the KAN report.
Smartwings will restart regular flights to Tel Aviv from April 15, operating seven flights per week, as reported by Reuters.
Perspectives
Israeli Carriers: Cautious Resumption
Israeli carriers like Arkia and El Al are moving to resume operations but with clear caveats about the security environment. Arkia stated its full schedule return by May 3 is "influenced by the security situation," while El Al is expanding destinations but will proactively contact customers for routes not yet resumed. This reflects a calculated approach to rebuilding service.
Foreign Airlines: Swift Return
Several foreign carriers—including Blue Bird, Etihad, Wizz Air, and Smartwings—are resuming flights more quickly, with Blue Bird becoming the first foreign carrier to return. Their decisions suggest confidence in the ceasefire's stability, though the pace of full recovery may be affected by operational constraints.
Regulatory Framework: Gradual Expansion
The Israel Airports Authority and Transport Ministry are planning a phased reopening of Ben-Gurion Airport, with initial steps focusing on increasing passenger capacity per flight. Aviation officials caution that the continued presence of US Air Force personnel and aircraft, along with ceasefire stability assessments, could slow the return to full operations.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimArkia Israeli Airlines aims to resume its full flight schedule by May 3.
ClaimAuthorities are focusing on increasing passenger capacity per flight, with narrow-body aircraft expected to accommodate up to 120 passengers and wide-body aircraft up to 150.
ClaimEl Al will resume flights to 9 additional destinations, including Boston, London Luton, Tivat, Krakow, Marseille, Sofia, Paphos, Rhodes, and Thessaloniki.
ClaimGreek carrier Blue Bird will be the first foreign carrier to return to Israel since the skies largely closed following the start of Operation Roaring Lion, resuming flights on Sunday.