Greek Destinations Remain Top Choice for Israeli Summer Travelers Despite Global Options

Israel's Ben Gurion Airport has seen a rapid recovery in passenger traffic this summer, with July 2026 marking a significant increase compared to last year. According to data released by the Israel Airports Authority, over 2.2 million passengers passed through the airport in July alone, a 37% rise from the 1.6 million recorded in July 2025. This surge follows a slower recovery period earlier in the year, with only about 477,000 passengers in April.

El Al continues to dominate the Israeli aviation market, flying approximately 816,000 passengers in July and holding a 35% market share. Israir and Arkia follow with 294,000 and 271,000 passengers respectively. Notably, Bluebird Airlines, owned by the Israeli Vacation Lines Group, surpassed Wizz Air in July, carrying over 173,000 passengers compared to Wizz Air's 138,000. However, for the January to July period, El Al remains the clear leader with over 3.5 million passengers and a 42% market share, followed by Israir, Arkia, and Wizz Air.

Regarding travel destinations, Greek locations continue to be the most popular among Israeli travelers, with Larnaca and Athens topping the city rankings for July and the year to date. Other favored destinations include Cyprus, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Despite the availability of long-haul flights, many Israelis prefer shorter trips within the Mediterranean region, likely influenced by ongoing security concerns and fears of escalation in the region.

The data reflects a strong rebound in Israeli summer travel, with a clear preference for nearby destinations offering shorter flight times. Industry experts suggest that geopolitical uncertainties continue to shape travel choices, encouraging passengers to opt for closer, more accessible locations during this period.