Irish Low-Cost Carrier Ryanair Cancels Flights to Israel until October 2024 Amidst Dispute

In a recent development impacting travel plans for many Israelis, Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Israel until after October. The decision coincides with the onset of the airline's summer season, a period when many Israelis opt for budget-friendly travel options to Europe.

The move, attributed to a dispute with the airport authority over passenger fees, raises questions among travelers. Terminal 1 has remained closed since the onset of the Iron Swords War, prompting all flights to operate from Terminal 3, where the passenger fee is approximately $11 higher, standing at $29 per passenger. Rainier's argument appears perplexing, particularly as other low-cost competitors continue to operate from Terminal 3 despite the higher fee.

Notably,  Ryanair had previously resumed flights from Terminal 3 during the conflict, only to halt operations once again. It's essential to note that the passenger fee is borne by travelers themselves, not the airline. In 2022, Rainier successfully operated over 1,500 flights from Terminal 3, with passengers covering the associated fees.

With  Ryanair's absence, Hungarian airline Wizz Air and British carrier easyJet are poised to fill the void in the Israeli market. According to data from the Airports Authority, easyJet is set to resume operations on March 25 with 19 flights, while Wizz Air plans to operate 134 flights in March and 282 flights in April. Wizz Air has ambitious targets, aiming to serve approximately 1.5 million passengers by year-end.

As travelers adjust their plans amidst these developments, the broader implications of Rainier's decision on the Israeli aviation landscape remain to be seen.