Amid Ryanair’s dramatic announcement to cancel all its flights from Israel this coming winter, the Israel Airports Authority responds sharply, accusing the Irish low-cost airline of misleading the public.
According to the authority, Ryanair received all the slots it requested for the winter season of 2025–2026, with flights allocated from Terminal 1, just as is customary with other low-cost airlines operating in Israel. “The terminal is open, functioning as usual, and ready to accommodate Ryanair passengers as early as tomorrow morning,” it was stated.
The Airports Authority claims there are no operational or security barriers to the continued operation of Ryanair flights, and that the decision is unilateral by the company:
“The choice now lies with Ryanair: to use the rights granted to it, or to continue with public relations stunts at the expense of its customers.”
The authority further emphasizes that a letter was sent to the company about a week ago, clearly stating that no preference will be given to Ryanair over other international airlines, and that the company’s demands contradict the principles of aviation equality in Israel.
Finally, the authority reminds that many foreign airlines continue to operate in Israel even during complex periods, including from Terminal 1, without issue:
“We would be pleased to see Ryanair choose facts over headlines.”
Full Response from the Airports Authority:
“We regret to see that Ryanair continues to try to convince the public that there is a ‘problem’ in Israel – while the only problem is the company’s refusal to operate the flights it committed to. All the flight times requested for winter 2025–2026 were fully granted, and the flights are scheduled to depart from Terminal 1 – exactly as done with other low-cost airlines. The terminal is open, functioning as usual, and ready to accommodate Ryanair passengers as early as tomorrow morning. The Airports Authority is prepared to provide all services for the benefit of the company’s passengers, but the choice now lies with Ryanair: to use the rights granted to it, or to continue with public relations stunts at the expense of its customers. As many foreign companies have already proven in practice – it is possible to fly to Israel, even from Terminal 1, without making a drama out of it. We would be pleased to see Ryanair choose facts over headlines as we clarified to Ryanair in a letter sent about a week ago; the Airports Authority does not intend to comply with Ryanair’s demands for preferential conditions over other international airlines.”
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