Wizz Air Resumes Israel Flights

In a bold move that sets it apart from major European competitors, Wizz Air has announced plans to restore its full flight schedule to Israel by early September, signaling not only a vote of confidence in the country’s aviation security but also a strategic deepening of its commitment to this key market. This decision comes after a temporary suspension of services in June due to regional tensions, and reflects both the airline’s business priorities and its assessment of current conditions.

Fast-Tracking the Route Relaunch

Wizz Air aims to resume services to Tel Aviv as early as August 8, with a full return to pre-suspension capacity expected by mid-September. This timeline is notably accelerated compared to several European peers, such as easyJet, which has postponed its Israel restart until March 2026.

Initial restored routes will connect Tel Aviv with Wizz Air’s major hubs: Budapest, London Luton, Milan Malpensa, Vienna, Bucharest, Sofia, and Larnaca. Prior to the June suspension, Wizz offered 15 routes to Tel Aviv, providing approximately 47,200 weekly seats to and from the city. Such a network positions Wizz as a leading European carrier for inbound flights to Israel, a market the airline describes as “high-value and strategically important”—even despite the region’s challenging operational environment.

Why Israel, and Why Now?

Wizz Air’s leadership has emphasized a rigorous assessment of safety and security conditions before moving forward. “The fact of the matter is that Israel has been operating airports very safely, even throughout the war. Nothing has happened,” CEO József Váradi stated, expressing confidence in the country’s airport security protocols. 

Israel’s strategic location, growing tourism sector, and large expatriate communities make it a lucrative destination. The airline’s confidence is further bolstered by the EASA’s recent downgrade, which Váradi described as making Israeli airspace “as benign as operating inside Europe from a regulatory perspective.”

This return is part of a broader strategic reset for Wizz Air. The airline is scaling back its presence in Abu Dhabi, reducing its Airbus A321XLR order from 47 to between 10 and 15 aircraft, and adjusting its growth target to 10% to 12% annually, down from the previous 20%. This shift prioritizes core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, with Israel playing a key role in this recalibrated plan. It’s a smart move to focus on established routes while testing the waters in a recovering market like Israel.

What This Means for Travelers and the Region

For passengers, Wizz Air’s return brings a welcome boost to travel options from Israel. The airline’s competitive fares—often a hallmark of its brand—could drive down prices, making it easier for Israelis to connect with Europe and for Europeans to visit Israel. This is particularly exciting for tourism, with Tel Aviv’s vibrant culture and Jerusalem’s historic sites drawing global interest.

Economically, the move could stimulate Israel’s aviation sector and support local businesses reliant on tourism. It also signals a cautious optimism about regional stability, potentially encouraging other carriers to follow suit. However, the slower return of competitors like easyJet indicates that the recovery is still uneven, and Wizz Air’s bold stance might set a precedent.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is based on announcements and sources available as of July 25, 2025. Flight schedules, capacities, and other details are subject to change. Travelers should verify information before booking. The author and publisher are not responsible for inaccuracies or changes made by Wizz Air after publication.

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