Wizz Air Seeks to Resume Talks on Opening Base at Ben Gurion Airport

About six weeks after negotiations between Wizz Air and Israel's Ministry of Transport stalled, the airline has recently requested to restart discussions regarding the establishment of an operational base at Ben Gurion Airport. However, it remains uncertain whether the ministry is still open to this, as alternative plans for airline bases within Israel may be under consideration.

Several months ago, significant steps were taken toward setting up the base, including government approval for Wizz Air to overnight aircraft in Israel. This move was intended to provide operational advantages and allow the airline to function similarly to local carriers during peak hours. Despite this progress, the Ministry of Transport halted talks, citing Wizz Air's failure to resume its Israeli operations immediately after Operation "Roaring Lion." Officials also noted a shift in the airline's stance following a change in Hungary's government.

The proposal to have Wizz Air establish a base in Israel has faced strong opposition from Israeli airlines and labor unions. Unions expressed serious concerns about the impact on competition and employment, even threatening to shut down Ben Gurion Airport shortly before Operation Roaring Lion began. Given the unions' significant public influence, especially in the pre-election period, their position could affect the decision-making environment, which includes Transport Minister Miri Regev.

It remains to be seen if the Ministry of Transport will entertain Wizz Air's renewed request or pursue other alternatives for airline bases in the country.