The war in Gaza keeps planes grounded. Three major carriers have now made it clear — they’re not coming back to Israel anytime soon.
Virgin Atlantic confirmed on Monday that it won’t be resuming its London-Tel Aviv route. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines have gone a step further: they’ve given up their airport slots at Ben Gurion. That’s not just a pause. That’s a hard stop.
Virgin Cuts Ties After Long Delay
The London-based airline had been holding off on flights to Tel Aviv since the start of the war with Hamas back in October 2023. For months, there was still a flicker of hope — maybe things would calm down, maybe flights would resume.
Virgin’s route between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, which once symbolized a modern bridge between two buzzing cities, is officially dead.
The airline had initially scheduled a potential return for November 2024. That never happened. And now it never will.
Turkey’s Carriers Don’t Just Pause—They Step Away
This one stings more than most. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus weren’t just visitors at Ben Gurion Airport — they were key players.
Before the war, Turkish Airlines was the fourth-largest international carrier serving Israel. Istanbul wasn’t just a destination; it was a gateway. Thousands of Israelis used Turkish airports as stopovers to places all across Europe and Asia.
In an unmistakable move, both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines have formally relinquished their takeoff and landing slots at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. That’s not something you do lightly.
It means they’re not planning a return flight path — not this month, not next season, maybe not for years.
For Israel’s Travelers, Fewer Options and Higher Prices
The effect on Israeli travelers is pretty immediate. More than half a million passengers a year flew between Israel and Turkey. With those routes gone, folks are left scrambling for alternatives.
And let’s be honest — those alternatives aren’t cheap.
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Turkish Airlines offered some of the most affordable long-haul routes to Europe and Asia.
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Virgin’s London route was a staple for business travelers and tourists alike.
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Losing them both narrows options and raises prices across the board.
A one-way flight from Tel Aviv to London now often tops $700, even in economy. Before the war, it hovered around $300.
Airport Traffic at Ben Gurion Drops, Again
To see the scale of the disruption, just look at the numbers.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing international carrier activity at Ben Gurion Airport:
| Airline | Status Post-War | Pre-War Rank (by passenger volume) | Return Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines | Not Returning | 4th | None |
| Pegasus Airlines | Not Returning | 12th | None |
| Virgin Atlantic | Route Canceled | N/A (new entrant) | None |
Ben Gurion’s total passenger traffic dropped by over 35% in 2024. And 2025 isn’t looking any better.
Tourism and Trade Feeling the Pinch
This isn’t just about convenience. The absence of these carriers affects Israel’s economy, too.
Tourism took a massive blow after the October 7 attacks, and it hasn’t bounced back. Hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are reporting record-low foreign guest numbers. Business travel is down. Cargo flights are harder to book.
The airspace feels smaller. Literally and figuratively.
And for countries like Turkey, the decision to distance from Israel is also political. While Ankara hasn’t cut diplomatic ties entirely, its silence on restoring flights speaks volumes.
A Political Statement Disguised as a Logistics Decision?
Nobody’s saying it outright — but come on, the message is there.
Pegasus and Turkish Airlines didn’t just cancel flights. They gave up slots. Those are valuable assets in aviation. Airlines guard them jealously. To waive them is like surrendering a storefront on Fifth Avenue.
Virgin Atlantic, a British airline tied closely to founder Richard Branson’s public persona, has made no secret of its stance on geopolitical crises. Ending the Tel Aviv route adds another quiet layer to its broader brand message.
For travelers, it’s frustrating. For Israel’s aviation sector, it’s a warning sign.
And for those watching from the sidelines? It’s one more reminder that war doesn’t just stop bullets. It grounds planes, too.
