Israel Airports Authority Commits to Supporting Airlines’ Return and Reopening Terminal 1 for Low-Cost Carriers
Amid the 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 a conference call with over 100 CEOs and representatives of international airlines to encourage their return to Israel. During the call, airline executives expressed concerns about the security situation in the country and the region, which remains their primary reason for hesitating to resume operations in Israel. Udi Bar Oz briefed the international airline executives on the security situation, emphasizing the calm that has prevailed since the ceasefire was declared. He detailed the changes in Israel’s airspace and the lifting of restrictions, including the reopening of the northern airspace for flights and the return to pre-conflict flight routes to and from Israel. It was highlighted to the airline executives that there are currently no restrictions on international flights to Ben Gurion and Ramon Airports.
The discussion further emphasized that the Israel Airports Authority will do everything possible to assist additional airlines in resuming operations in Israel. This includes reopening Terminal 1 if low-cost carriers commit to a consistent and significant return to Israel. Additionally, it was noted that five airlines have already announced their return to operations in Israel, and at the recent slot conference, all airlines that operated at Ben Gurion Airport before the conflict have reserved 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 have a private discussion and announced plans for another extensive call as the ceasefire period concludes. As a reminder, Aegean Airlines resumed operations in Israel yesterday (Tuesday). Aegean is one of six airlines that have already announced their return to Israel, along with Azerbaijan Airlines, Air Europa, Air Seychelles, Wizz Air, and Bulgaria Air, which are expected to gradually resume operations in the coming weeks. Join our WhatsApp groups for updates from Flight Hunter by clicking here Flight Hunter
