Airports Authority Vows to Support Airlines’ Return
Amid the ceasefire in the north, international airlines are gradually returning to operations in Israel. The Israel Airports Authority is preparing for this post-conflict period.
Sharon Kedmi, CEO of the Israel Airports Authority, met with Udi Bar Oz, Director of Ben Gurion Airport. Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority also joined the meeting. Together, they held discussions with more than 100 CEOs and airline representatives. The goal was to encourage international airlines to return to operations in Israel.
The security situation in Israel and the region was the top concern at the meeting. It remains the main reason airlines hesitate to resume operations in the country.
Udi Bar Oz briefed the airline executives on the security situation. He emphasized the calm that has prevailed since the ceasefire was declared. He also outlined changes to Israel’s airspace. These included lifting restrictions and reopening the northern airspace for flights. As a result, routes to and from Israel have returned to their pre-conflict status. Officials also stressed one key point: there are currently no restrictions on international flights to Ben Gurion and Ramon airports.
Terminal 1 and Airlines’ Commitments
The discussion also covered further support for the industry. The Israel Airports Authority will do everything possible to help more airlines resume operations in Israel. This includes reopening Terminal 1 if low-cost carriers commit to a consistent, significant return.
Five airlines have already announced their return to operations in Israel. Additionally, at the recent slot conference, every airline that operated at Ben Gurion Airport before the conflict secured slots. These slots cover the upcoming summer season.
However, some airlines expressed concerns about the period after the ceasefire ends. This concern applies once the 60-day period set expires. Bar Oz invited any airline wishing to hold a private discussion. Officials also decided to schedule another extensive meeting as the ceasefire period draws to a close.
As a reminder, Aegean Airlines resumed operations in Israel yesterday (Tuesday). Aegean is one of six airlines that have already announced their return. The others include Azerbaijan Airlines, Air Europa, and Air Seychelles, along with Wizz Air and Bulgaria Air. All are expected to gradually resume operations in the coming weeks.
🔗 Join our WhatsApp groups for updates from Flight Hunter by clicking here:
Click here
