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.