Wizz Air Reconsiders? Uncertainty Surrounds Establishment of Base in Israel Amid Regulatory and Economic Challenges
Is the plan to establish a permanent Wizz Air base at Ben Gurion Airport about to be halted? As reported by Globes, following a series of discussions between the Hungarian airline and Israeli government officials, doubts have emerged regarding the feasibility of this move. Concerns revolve around both operational challenges on the ground and the economic model underpinning the plan.
What Does an Aviation Base in Israel Actually Mean?
Unlike the current situation where Wizz Air operates only round-trip flights to and from Israel, an aviation base would allow the airline to station aircraft and crews in Israel, plan broader operational cycles, and utilize preferred slots—such as early departures and late arrivals, which are highly sought after by passengers.
Additionally, establishing a base would strengthen the company’s position in the local market, enabling it to become a key player without changing its status as a foreign company, thus avoiding stringent Israeli regulations, including security arrangements and coordination with El Al.
So Why the Delay?
According to reports, the airline has expressed concern that the scope of operations it could conduct from Ben Gurion Airport might be more limited than planned, potentially rendering the economic model less viable. In other words, it may not be able to operate the number of flights it intended, making the entire move less attractive.
And What About the “Seventh Freedom of the Air”?
Globes also reported that a complicating factor is the airline’s request to obtain the “Seventh Freedom of the Air,” which is essentially permission to operate flights between foreign countries from Israel (for example, flights to the Balkans or the Emirates), even if the destination is not the airline’s home country. Some Israeli officials are wary of this move due to concerns about fair competition with Israeli airlines, which are subject to stringent local regulations.
Eilat Instead of Ben Gurion?
Additionally, due to these challenges, there is consideration of relocating the future operational base to the city of Eilat. However, at this stage, it remains merely a concept, not yet developed into a decision.
What’s Next?
As of now, the airline has not officially announced the cancellation of the move, nor has it published concrete timelines for establishing the base. Is this a temporary step back or a complete freeze? The situation is expected to become clearer in the coming weeks.
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