Despite Hezbollah ceasefire, international airlines won't return to Israel until 2025
Despite Hezbollah ceasefire, international airlines won't return to Israel until 2025
Revital Ben-Natan, CEO of Ofakim Travel & Tours, says that major airlines who may like to return to profitable routes will find it difficult to do so since they’ve redirected their flights to other routes.
Foreign airlines, including Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, and budget airline giant Wizz, do not plan to resume operations in Israel anytime soon, despite the ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The major airlines have said they will not return before 2025, having already redirected their flight routes to alternative destinations which makes an immediate return to Israel challenging.
Currently, American Airlines has canceled flights to Israel until September of 2025, and Delta has removed Israel from its schedule indefinitely. Virgin Atlantic announced it would not return before October of 2025, while British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet plan to resume flights no earlier than April. Air France, Lufthansa, and Wizz Air have canceled flights to Israel until January. These are just a few examples of airlines that, as of now, have no immediate plans to resume operations in Israel.
Revital Ben-Natan, CEO of Ofakim Tourism, explained, "Major airlines will struggle to return flights back here because they’ve diverted them to other routes. However, the basic principle of economics suggests that airlines with profitable routes to Israel will try to accelerate their return.
"For now, the supply hasn’t changed, but those wishing to leave the country can. Ticket prices are high, and flights to the U.S. require connections. If foreign airlines see a shift in the situation, they’ll set future flights, which will lead to lower prices," she adds.
Ben-Natan noted that there is interest from Israeli travelers. "When future flights are announced, people will book tickets for Passover and the summer, and prices will drop as foreign airlines re-enter the market. Once a ceasefire and improved security are discussed, foreign airlines will try to expedite their return, and customer demand will rise. We already see people booking flights a year in advance, protecting themselves with insurance in case of cancellation."
