Israeli airline El Al has raised strong objections to Wizz Air’s plan to open a base at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, calling it a major risk to national security and local aviation. The move comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with El Al arguing that foreign carriers like Wizz could weaken Israel’s resilience during conflicts, as seen in recent flight disruptions.
Background on the Dispute
El Al sent a letter to Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transport Minister Miri Regev, urging them to block the base. The airline points out that only Israeli carriers kept flying during past crises, while foreign airlines pulled out.
This opposition is not just from El Al. Fellow Israeli airlines Arkia and Israir have also written to authorities, asking to stop the plan. They fear it would create unfair competition and hurt the local market.
Wizz Air, a Hungarian low-cost carrier, aims to ramp up operations with up to 30 daily flights from Tel Aviv. Sources say the airline wants to station planes and crew overnight, allowing better schedules and lower costs.
Security Concerns at the Heart of the Debate
El Al stresses that flights to and from Israel face unique threats, with a history of hijackings, bomb plots, and attacks at airports worldwide. The carrier invests heavily in strict security measures, which foreign airlines often skip.
If Wizz sets up a base, it might lead to relaxed standards on those routes. El Al warns this could set a bad example, letting other foreign airlines push out Israeli ones and erode the country’s aviation strength.
Recent events highlight these risks. In 2024, many airlines suspended flights to Israel due to escalating conflicts, leaving local carriers to handle the load. Posts on social media platforms show public worry about similar issues, with users noting past incidents like cockpit breach attempts on flights to Tel Aviv.
Experts say Israel’s aviation security is among the world’s toughest for good reason. Allowing a foreign base without matching rules could expose gaps, especially in a region prone to sudden threats.
Potential Impacts on Israeli Aviation
A Wizz Air base could shift market shares. Data from early 2025 shows El Al holding a strong position, but low-cost rivals might cut into that with cheaper fares.
Here are key potential effects:
- Market Competition: Wizz could offer lower prices, drawing passengers from Israeli airlines.
- Job Impacts: Local crews might face fewer opportunities if foreign operations grow.
- Flight Options: More routes to Europe, but possibly at the cost of security oversight.
Israeli regulators are weighing options. One idea is requiring Wizz to form a local subsidiary, like it did in Abu Dhabi, though that venture later closed due to challenges.
Transport Minister Miri Regev supports the base to boost tourism and connectivity. However, the Civil Aviation Authority opposes it, citing resilience concerns.
Wizz Air’s Plans and Next Steps
Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi plans to visit Israel soon for talks. The airline resumed some flights to Tel Aviv in August 2025, ahead of schedule, including routes to Budapest and London.
If approved as an operational base, Wizz would focus on Europe. A full subsidiary could expand beyond that, using Ben Gurion’s Terminal 1 for its budget model.
| Aspect | Operational Base | Independent Subsidiary |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Uses own license, lower setup | Needs Israeli entity and local rules |
| Routes | Limited to Europe | Can fly worldwide |
| Costs | Cheaper, fits low-cost model | Higher due to regulations |
| Security | Potential for less oversight | Must meet Israeli standards |
This table outlines the differences, based on industry reports.
Negotiations could wrap up in weeks, with a decision expected soon. Wizz eyes quick growth, but opposition from local airlines remains firm.
Broader Context in Regional Tensions
Israel’s aviation sector has faced repeated disruptions. Just this month, Ben Gurion Airport halted flights briefly due to missile threats from groups like Hezbollah.
Such events underline El Al’s point: foreign carriers often cancel first, leaving Israelis stranded. In 2024, similar suspensions happened amid conflicts, boosting demand for local flights.
Public sentiment, seen in online discussions, mixes hope for cheaper travel with fears of security lapses. Some travelers welcome competition to end high prices, while others back El Al for its reliability.
What This Means for Travelers and the Industry
For passengers, a Wizz base might mean more affordable options to Europe. Yet, it raises questions about safety during unstable times.
Industry watchers predict this could reshape Israel’s skies. If blocked, it protects local airlines but might keep fares high. If approved, it opens doors but with risks.
As talks continue, stakeholders watch closely. The outcome could influence how other foreign airlines approach Israel.
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