In the last decade, Israelis have become accustomed to a new reality in the aviation industry: exceptionally cheap flights to Europe, with prices sometimes starting at 19 or 29 euros one way. What once seemed impossible has become accessible to almost everyone, mainly thanks to the “Open Skies” agreement between Israel and the European Union, which was approved in 2013 and gradually came into effect until 2018. The agreement opened the market to broad competition, led to the entry of many low-cost airlines, and significantly reduced flight prices from Israel.
However, in 2026, many are asking: Is the era of cheap flights truly behind us?
The Open Skies Agreement and Its Impact on Flight Prices from Israel
The Open Skies agreement revolutionized the Israeli aviation industry. More European airlines gained access to the Israeli market, the number of destinations increased, and the number of passengers at Ben Gurion Airport soared. The increasing competition forced companies to offer particularly low base prices, and sometimes even extreme promotional deals.
Low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair became key players on routes to Italy, Greece, Eastern and Central Europe. The mere presence of several companies on the same route created ongoing price pressure, and the Israeli consumer enjoyed especially cheap tickets.
Ryanair No Longer Flies to Israel – What This Means for Competition
In recent years, Ryanair was often cheaper than Wizz Air on certain routes. Even when it wasn’t the cheapest, it created direct competition that affected the entire market. When two low-cost companies compete for the same destination, prices tend to be more aggressive.
Currently, Ryanair does not operate flights from Israel. When a significant player exits the market, the level of competition on certain routes decreases. This does not necessarily mean an immediate price increase, but certainly a reduction in the competitive pressure we have known in the past.
The October 2023 War and Its Impact on Low-Cost Prices
On October 7, 2023, the War of Iron Swords broke out in Israel, and many foreign airlines suspended their operations. Some have returned to full operations, while others operate intermittently due to the changing and complex situation in Israel. The result is a less stable market, with seat availability that varies from time to time.
When demand remains high, especially for certain destinations, and supply is not entirely stable, prices become more volatile. During peak times such as holidays and summer, higher prices can be observed compared to periods when more companies operated simultaneously.
Did Wizz Air and Low-Cost Airlines Increase Prices in 2026?
It is still possible to find cheap flights from Israel, and sometimes very cheap. The flight hunting site identifies the lowest prices and publishes the cheapest dates by destination. This is particularly true with early booking and dates outside peak seasons. However, many travelers report that last-minute prices and long weekends are higher than before.
Additionally, as known in low-cost airlines, the base price is not always the final price. Add-ons like luggage, seat selection, and ancillary services affect the total amount. Low-cost airlines operate on a model of low base price and pricing of ancillary services, so comparisons between years should also consider the component of add-ons, what was previously included in the regular ticket price, and what has changed today?
Do Airport Taxes in Israel Affect the Flight Price?
Changes in operational costs and fees related to airports can affect the final price. In an industry where margins are relatively low, even a small change in costs may be reflected in the ticket price for the consumer.
Bottom Line: Has the Era of Cheap Flights Ended?
The low-cost market from Israel has not disappeared, but it is different from the one that operated at the peak of competition after the open skies agreement. Fewer players are active on certain routes, security volatility, and high demand for popular destinations all impact the dynamics.
The era of the 19 Euro flight may not be entirely over, but it is no longer as commonplace as it once was. Those who book early and are flexible with dates can still find cheap flights, but extreme low prices have become rarer.
Why Have Flights from Israel Become More Expensive in Recent Years?
Flight prices are influenced by several factors: the level of competition on certain routes, high demand during peak seasons, changes in airline operations following the security situation since October 2023, and operational costs and fees. When the number of active airlines decreases or the supply changes, prices may be less “crazy” than before.
Is Wizz Air More Expensive Since Ryanair Stopped Flying to Israel?
Not necessarily on every route and every date, but when a significant player like Ryanair is not operating in the market, the level of direct competition decreases. Lower competition can affect pricing dynamics, especially on routes where several low-cost airlines previously operated simultaneously.
Is It Still Possible to Find Flights for 19 or 29 Euros from Israel?
Yes, but these are usually on specific dates and require early booking. Floor prices still exist at times, but they are less common compared to years when competition was broader and seat availability was stable. It is recommended to follow flight hunters and stay updated on price drops and particularly cheap tickets.
Is the Open Skies Agreement Still in Effect?
Yes. The Open Skies Agreement between Israel and the European Union continues to apply, and it is what initially allowed the market to open up to broad competition. However, the actual operations of airlines are also influenced by commercial and security considerations, and the decision to operate in Israel is, of course, solely up to the airline itself.
Do Airport Taxes and Fees Affect the Price of a Flight?
Yes. Airport fees and operational costs are part of an airline’s cost structure. In the low-cost sector, where margins are relatively low, even a small change in costs can affect the final price to the consumer.
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