Wizz Air’s Requirements for Establishing a Base in Israel: Unprecedented Competition or a Threat to the Local Market?
The Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is in advanced negotiations with the Ministry of Transport to establish a permanent operational base in Israel, but the move is accompanied by a series of unprecedented demands that could trigger a shake-up in the local aviation market.
The Israeli delegation, led by the Director-General of the Ministry of Transport, Moshe Ben Zaken, traveled to Hungary for intensive meetings with the company’s management in an attempt to formulate an agreement that would allow the base to operate by April 2026. However, it is now revealed, as reported in Globes: Wizz Air has dramatic demands, primarily the demand for “Seventh Freedom of the Air.”
What is the Seventh Freedom of the Air – and Why is it So Sensitive?
This is an international aviation principle that allows a foreign airline to operate flights between two other countries without the flight starting or ending in its home country. In this case, Wizz Air, defined as a European company, seeks to operate flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, the Caucasus, and the Balkans as if it were an Israeli airline – but without registering as an Israeli company.
The implication: The company will be able to operate freely from Ben Gurion Airport, but will evade Israeli regulations that require local companies to meet stringent standards of security, transparency, and maintenance.
Aspiration: Base with 3 Aircraft and 60 Flights a Day
According to industry sources, as reported on the Globes website, Wizz Air seeks to establish an operational base by next summer that will include three aircraft permanently stationed in Israel, and permanent crews conducting daily flights at a rapid pace of up to 60 flights a day. This would enable the company to directly compete with Israeli companies for the most sought-after slots, which are the early and late departure times preferred by passengers.
Widespread Opposition: Israeli Companies and Aviation Authority Are Not Silent
El Al, Israir, and Arkia warn that the move could pose a serious threat to their future. These companies currently enjoy a preferred status at Ben Gurion Airport due to their registration in Israel and are required to meet strict standards. Opening the door to a foreign company operating without the same requirements, they claim, will harm fair competition.
The Civil Aviation Authority also strongly opposes. The authority was not sent as part of the delegation to Hungary and expresses a firm reservation about the move. Arkia even approached the Ministry of Transport through a lawyer, claiming that the Minister of Transport has no legal authority to approve the agreement and that the decision should be in the hands of the Civil Aviation Authority.
Attempt to Seize Ryanair’s Slots
It also emerges that Wizz Air aims to acquire the slots vacated by Ryanair, the Irish company that ceased its operations in Israel following the war and has not yet resumed operations here. If Wizz Air takes over these slots, it will establish a significant foothold in the local market.
What Will the Israeli Consumer Gain?
If Wizz Air’s demands are met, the Israeli consumer might benefit from a significant reduction in flight prices, thanks to increased supply and competition. On the other hand, there are concerns that Israeli companies may be harmed, and there could be a decline in service quality or a negative impact on the industry’s stability.
Bottom Line:
Wizz Air wants it all: to be a key player in Israel – without becoming an Israeli company. Its demands present regulators with a sensitive dilemma between promoting competition for the public’s benefit and maintaining fair balance with local companies. The final decision – is still ahead of us.
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