Senior Transport Ministry Official Resigns Amid Frustration Over Wizz Air Base Deal

Or Libis, a senior deputy director general for economics, budgets, and strategy at the Ministry of Transport, is leaving the ministry after three years. Libis also served as acting deputy director general for administration and human resources. He led the steering committee for the strategic transportation plan until 2050 and was instrumental in advancing the establishment of a base for the airline Wizz Air in Israel.

Sources indicate Libis's resignation stems from frustration with the ministry's inability to advance initiatives, particularly the stalled Wizz Air base project. Months prior, significant steps were taken, including government approval for Wizz Air to house aircraft in Israel, granting it a key operational advantage. However, the Ministry of Transport later halted negotiations, citing Wizz Air's failure to immediately resume operations in Israel after Operation "Lion's Roar."

Following the breakdown of talks initiated by the ministry, Wizz Air reportedly ceased communication with Libis. Concurrently, Libis pushed for the approval of regulations allowing foreign airlines to establish bases in Israel. Despite extensive preparatory work, this initiative was shelved, partly due to opposition from the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, Shmuel Zakai.

Libis has not conducted a handover to a successor, leaving his position vacant for the time being. He is set to become the CEO of "Nativ La'ir," the operator of the fast lanes on the Ayalon Highway.