Ryanair defies airlines by resuming flights to Israel this summer

In recent months, the situation in Israel has been highly impacted by ongoing conflict, notably the war against Hamas in Gaza. As a result, major U.S. airlines have suspended operations to and from Israel indefinitely. United Airlines and American Airlines have refrained from flying to the region, while Delta Airlines has announced a tentative return in April. Meanwhile, several European carriers have resumed services following a ceasefire. Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is expected to recommence a full flight schedule to Tel Aviv during the upcoming summer season. Ryanair, which has not flown to Israel for almost a year, anticipates a return to normalcy in travel by then. The Chief Executive of Ryanair DAC, Eddie Wilson, expressed optimism about their upcoming schedule, suggesting that guidance from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will influence their operations. Other airlines, such as Wizz Air, have recently increased flights to Israel, indicating a slow recovery in the aviation sector amidst the ongoing challenges. Approximately one-third of the airlines that operated flights to Tel Aviv have resumed services since the spike in conflict and the establishment of temporary ceasefires. Alongside this increase in air traffic, the Israeli government is amending laws requiring airlines to compensate passengers for canceled flights, easing these requirements during periods of war. This political maneuver seems aimed at encouraging more airlines to return to Israel amidst the cautious recovery of the travel industry. January and February typically represent slow months for travel to Israel and are expected to see fewer flights. Despite the operational and political challenges that have led to a decrease in air traffic, it appears that Ryanair's plans are indicative of broader efforts among international carriers to reinstate services to Israel. Continued monitoring of the security situation and adherence to regulatory advice is likely to influence the airline’s flight itineraries moving forward. By summer 2025, Ryanair anticipates being back in operation at full capacity, reflecting a gradual return to the stability experienced pre-conflict.