Wizz Air resumes popular flights ahead of schedule
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Wizz Air, the prominent Hungarian low-cost airline, has recently found itself in the headlines for both positive developments and a public relations setback. The company’s plans to resume flights to Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport have been widely welcomed, while its advertising practices have come under scrutiny following a ban by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
Resuming flights to Israel amid easing tensions
According to Times of Israel, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Wizz Air has announced the gradual resumption of its flights to Israel, a move signalling cautious optimism for the region’s aviation sector. The airline will restart operations on 20 December, with four weekly flights connecting Tel Aviv and Larnaca. Wizz Air has also revealed plans to reinstate additional routes starting 15 January 2025, with further updates expected closer to the date.
The decision marks a significant turnaround after the airline suspended all flights to and from Israel in October due to the intensifying conflict. In contrast to Wizz Air’s proactive measures, several major airlines, including Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and LOT Polish Airlines, have deferred their Israeli operations into 2025, citing continued security concerns.
Wizz Air has sweetened its return to the Israeli market by offering the first 1,000 tickets for the Tel Aviv-Larnaca route at a promotional price of EUR 50 per one-way ticket. However, the airline remains cautious, closely monitoring the region’s geopolitical landscape before fully restoring its Israeli network.
Wizz Air ad banned over ‘green’ claim
While the airline’s return to Israel has garnered positive attention, Wizz has also faced backlash for its environmental claims in advertising. The UK’s ASA recently banned a Wizz Air advertisement that described the airline as “one of the greenest choices in air travel”, BTN Europe reports. The regulator ruled the claim as misleading, citing insufficient evidence and a lack of clarity on the basis for comparison.