Wizz Air called a national security threat in Israel
Israeli airline El Al has claimed that Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air’s plan to establish a base in Israel would not only harm domestic airlines but could also pose a national security risk to the country. A letter sent to local authorities depicts the low-cost carrier as a potential danger to Israel’s security.
But is Wizz Air a national security risk?
The Jerusalem Post published an in-depth report on the contents of El Al’s letter. According to the article, the letter was signed by El Al’s Chief Executive Officer, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, and the Chairman of its Board. Airportal reports that it was addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Transport Miri Regev.
The letter argues that granting Wizz Air base status in Israel would cause significant damage to the domestic aviation industry. With such status, the Hungarian low-cost airline would be entitled to access Ben Gurion Airport’s facilities, station crew members overnight, and secure more favourable departure slots.
Risk of pushing out Israeli Airlines
El Al contends that a Wizz Air base could create a dangerous precedent, potentially forcing domestic airlines out of the Israeli market. In times of conflict—such as those witnessed this summer—foreign carriers often suspend operations, leaving Israel isolated. El Al emphasised that during the recent escalation in hostilities, it was only Israeli carriers that maintained the nation’s vital “air bridges.”
The letter also included a veiled warning: should Wizz Air be granted base status, Israeli airlines might consider relocating operations abroad.
Unfair advantage for Wizz Air?
Wizz Air did suspend its Tel Aviv services in June during a period of heightened regional tensions. However, as the letter acknowledges, other international airlines also halted flights at that time. On 8 August—more than a month earlier than expected—the airline resumed operations. As reported yesterday, Wizz Air is also set to restart flights to Amman, the Jordanian capital, next week.
El Al further raised concerns about an uneven playing field, pointing out that Israeli carriers are obliged to make heavy investments in stringent security measures—costs not borne by foreign competitors such as Wizz Air. This, they argue, gives the Hungarian airline an unfair commercial advantage.
Wizz Air’s Chief Executive Officer, József Váradi, is expected to visit Israel next month to conclude negotiations concerning the potential new base. To date, he has referred only to Wizz Air as an airline serving Israel, without publicly confirming any plans for a permanent presence.
Serious allegations against El Al
The Jerusalem Post article also drew attention to serious allegations lodged against El Al with the Israeli prosecutor’s office. The charges claim that following the 7 October 2023 attacks—when El Al effectively held a monopoly—the airline deliberately inflated ticket prices. The lawsuit seeks compensation in excess of a quarter of a billion Hungarian forints.
The prosecution asserts that El Al not only acted unethically but also unlawfully, attempting to profit from a national tragedy purely for financial gain.
El Al has responded that its legal team will examine the allegations in detail and present a full defence in court.
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