CEO Michael O’Leary Blasts Disruptions from Houthi Missile Attacks, Signals Pivot to More Stable European Routes
Ryanair is tired of waiting. And Michael O’Leary, never one to sugarcoat, made that clear on Monday — saying that if rocket fire and security scares continue in Tel Aviv, the airline may stop flying there altogether.
After a rocky few months of off-and-on operations, Ryanair’s tolerance for instability appears to be wearing thin.
Patience Worn Thin as Flights Fluctuate
Michael O’Leary’s voice held more than a hint of frustration as he addressed analysts after Ryanair’s annual earnings report. In his view, the ongoing disruptions at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport — including April’s missile strike from Houthi rebels — are no longer just operational headaches. They’re bad business.
He didn’t mince words. “We’re running out of patience,” he said bluntly.
The airline had resumed its Israel routes in March after a long break. But those efforts quickly unraveled when the airport was briefly targeted again. Since then, Ryanair paused flights yet again, caught between safety concerns and an unpredictable security environment.
What Sparked the Latest Breakdown?
The most recent suspension followed a direct hit — literally. Earlier this month, a missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels landed in the vicinity of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
That attack forced multiple international carriers, including Ryanair, to ground flights. Some resumed within days. Ryanair didn’t.
O’Leary made it clear: unless there’s a meaningful improvement in regional stability, Ryanair could permanently reassign its planes to more profitable — and peaceful — routes in Europe.
Why This Matters More Than It Seems
This isn’t just about one airline getting grumpy. Ryanair’s possible exit could ripple far beyond its own bookings.
Here’s why it matters:
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Ben Gurion Airport relies on low-cost carriers like Ryanair to bring in tourism volume.
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A prolonged pullout could discourage other airlines from long-term commitment.
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It could weaken Tel Aviv’s international air connectivity, especially to European capitals.
While Ryanair isn’t Israel’s largest foreign airline, it is a budget carrier with a broad reach — and when budget carriers start backing out, others may follow suit.
Tensions in the Air and on the Ground
Ryanair isn’t the only airline rattled. Others, like Lufthansa and easyJet, also paused service during April’s spike in violence. Though some returned, none have guaranteed full schedules.
The airline industry is jittery. And the Middle East, always geopolitically charged, has become even more unpredictable in recent months.
One sentence says it all: Airlines hate uncertainty.
The war in Gaza, Iran’s regional influence, and flare-ups in Lebanon and Yemen are making it harder for carriers to plan routes and maintain consistent schedules. No route is worth flying if every week brings a new threat alert.
The Economics Behind the Exit Threat
Let’s break down the logic behind Ryanair’s position.
Here’s a quick view comparing route priorities based on risk and return:
Tel Aviv, though important, doesn’t currently stack up favorably against safer, more profitable European destinations.
O’Leary’s comment wasn’t just off-the-cuff — it was strategic. He’s sending a message: if Israel wants low-cost carriers to keep flying in, it needs to keep the skies safer.
Israel’s Response and What Happens Next
Israeli officials haven’t publicly commented on Ryanair’s threat, but they’re surely watching. Tourism numbers have taken a major hit over the past year. And while security remains top priority, economic pressure is mounting.
After the Houthi missile landed, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes on Yemen’s Sanaa airport. It was a firm military message — but it also damaged civilian aviation infrastructure.
Ironically, while some flights to Yemen resumed over the weekend, flights to Israel are still shaky.
Meanwhile, Ryanair has penciled in early June as a possible return date for Tel Aviv flights. But that’s a soft plan, not a promise.
Could This Be a Turning Point?
O’Leary’s remarks aren’t just about Tel Aviv. They’re a warning shot to any destination that can’t guarantee safe skies.
Ryanair, like many airlines, runs on thin margins. Aircraft can’t sit idle. If there’s risk in one city, there’s always another willing to welcome flights.
It’s not personal. It’s operational.
Still, Israel will feel the pinch if more airlines follow Ryanair’s lead. And with summer travel season approaching, the clock’s ticking.
