Israel Airports Authority Pledges Support for Airlines Resuming Operations, Including Reopening Terminal 1 for Low-Cost Carriers
Amid the recent ceasefire in the north and the gradual return of international airlines to operations in Israel, the Israel Airports Authority is preparing for the post-conflict period. Sharon Kedmi, CEO of the Israel Airports Authority, along with Udi Bar Oz, Director of Ben Gurion Airport, and officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, held discussions with over 100 CEOs and representatives of international airlines to encourage their return to Israel. During the meeting, airline executives expressed concerns primarily about the security situation in Israel and the region, which remains the main reason for their hesitance to resume operations in the country. Udi Bar Oz briefed the international airline managers on the security situation, emphasizing the calm that has prevailed since the ceasefire was declared. He also outlined the changes in Israel’s airspace and the lifting of restrictions, including the reopening of the northern airspace for flights and the return of routes to and from Israel to their pre-conflict status. It was highlighted that there are currently no restrictions on international flights to Ben Gurion and Ramon airports.
The meeting further emphasized that the Israel Airports Authority will do everything possible to assist additional airlines in resuming operations in Israel, including reopening Terminal 1 if low-cost carriers commit to a consistent and substantial return to Israel. It was also noted that five airlines have already announced their return to operations in Israel. At the recent slot conference, all airlines that operated at Ben Gurion Airport before the conflict secured slots for the upcoming summer season. However, some airlines expressed concerns about the situation once the 60-day ceasefire period ends. Bar Oz invited any airline wishing to hold a private discussion and decided to hold another extensive meeting as the ceasefire period concludes. Notably, yesterday (Tuesday), Aegean Airlines resumed operations in Israel. Aegean is one of six airlines that have already announced their return to Israel, alongside Azerbaijan Airlines, Air Europa, Air Seychelles, Wizz Air, and Bulgaria Air, which are expected to gradually resume operations in the coming weeks
