Wizz Air’s new base and numerous new routes may drive down ticket prices in Israel

Israeli competitors are strongly opposed to Wizz Air’s plan to establish an operational aviation base in Israel and secure more favourable time slots at Tel Aviv’s international airport. The Israeli government, however, hopes that this move will help reduce the sky-high ticket prices currently seen in the country. Meanwhile, Wizz Air has promised a significant increase in flights from the Middle Eastern nation and aims to become a “corporate citizen embedded in Israeli society.”

Wizz Air to bring substantial investment to Israel

The Times of Israel recently published an extensive article detailing Wizz Air’s ambitious plans to expand its presence by opening a new operational aviation base. The Hungarian low-cost airline intends to invest billions of dollars in the project, aiming to double its network to 50 routes starting in 2026. The new base might open as early as March or April next year, which would allow the Hungarian budget airlines to secure better time slots at Israeli airports. In addition, the airline would be able to station aircraft at the airport, introduce more routes, and recruit local crew members.

• The schedules of multiple Wizz Air flights may change due to aircraft issues

CEO József Váradi met with Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev in Israel, describing the discussions as “tremendous progress in understanding the expansion opportunity from all angles.” He acknowledged that some of the challenges are technical, business-related, or regulatory in nature, but both parties remain committed to resolving them. There is a strong possibility that these negotiations could conclude by the end of January. The exact location of the new base remains undecided, with Ben Gurion Airport and Eilat’s Ramon Airport both under consideration.

Expanding routes could lead to lower ticket prices

Mr Váradi also stated that the creation of the new hub and the increase in routes could help decrease ticket prices in Israel. “Currently, we operate 21 routes from Israel to destinations across Europe, but we expect to have a network of around 50 routes over the next few years,” he explained. This expansion would increase seat capacity by 4 million over three years.

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Ticket prices will depend on several factors, such as the precise location of the new Wizz Air base and whether the Hungarian low-cost carrier is granted the “seventh freedom of the air” rights.

Israeli airlines have made significant profits during the conflict

Israel’s national carrier, El Al, along with smaller airlines Arkia and Israir, have criticised the government’s support for Wizz Air’s expansion. They argue that the Hungarian budget airline will withdraw from Israel as soon as the security situation deteriorates. In response, Wizz Air has pledged to maintain operations unless air traffic is explicitly threatened.

The Times of Israel noted that Israeli airlines continued flying despite escalations in local conflicts, but this came at a cost. “Ticket prices have gone through the roof,” the report stated. The Transport Minister commented, “I appreciate that Israeli airlines continued to operate during emergency wartime periods, but it is no secret they capitalised on the supply shortage.”

Aside from the shared determination of Wizz Air and the Israeli government to facilitate the base’s opening, one other certainty remains. Ryanair, a major competitor of Wizz Air, has no plans to return to Israel. EasyJet has also announced it will extend its suspension of routes to and from Tel Aviv until 28 March 2026.

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