Foreign Airlines Return to Israel Boosts Flight Options and Lowers Prices After Holidays
The gradual return of foreign airlines to Israel has significantly increased flight availability and competition, especially to European destinations, leading to more competitive pricing. Currently, most destinations have multiple airlines competing, though prices remain high during the Jewish High Holidays (Tishrei). Travelers are advised to compare prices among airlines operating from Ben Gurion Airport to find better deals.
During the period when many foreign airlines suspended flights to Israel, Israeli carriers faced limited competition and maintained higher prices. Now, with more European and international airlines resuming service, competition is intensifying and prices are beginning to drop. For example, round-trip flights to Athens during Rosh Hashanah range from $414 on Wizz Air (excluding carry-on) to $684 on Arkia, while during Sukkot prices range from $447 to $998. Similar price disparities exist for popular destinations such as Rhodes, Cyprus, Rome, Berlin, Prague, and Corfu, with some low-cost carriers offering significantly cheaper fares than Israeli airlines.
Shirly Cohen Orkabi, VP at Eshet Tours, noted that while the return of foreign airlines is increasing supply and competition, demand is also rising, preventing prices from returning to pre-October 7 levels. Major carriers like KLM, British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, and American airlines have yet to resume regular flights to Israel, impacting prices especially for US and Canadian routes. Currently, only El Al and Arkia fly to the US, with prices starting at $1,999 for Rosh Hashanah.
Post-holiday travel offers the best opportunity for bargain fares, with prices dropping sharply due to lower demand and more foreign airlines returning. For instance, Wizz Air offers one-way tickets to Larnaca from $22 between October 31 and November 4, and other destinations like Palermo, Athens, Varna, Krakow, Rome, and Venice have fares under $120 one-way in October and November. Yaniv Lanis, founder of Secret Flights, recommends travelers act quickly to secure these deals.
Ben Gurion Airport is experiencing record passenger volumes this summer, with an expected 94,000 travelers on July 30 and a total of 2.3 million passengers in July, a 25% increase compared to last year. The return of foreign airlines is a key factor in this growth and the expanding flight options for Israeli travelers.
