Open Skies to Turkey
Diplomatic Thaw? Turkish Airlines Considers Return to Israel
Turkish Airlines considers resuming flights to Israel following President Erdogan's request, potentially marking a diplomatic shift and boosting Israeli tourism after a two-year suspension.
Two years after halting flights to Israel following the outbreak of the "Swords of Iron" War, Turkish Airlines is reportedly considering a return to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). The potential resumption of flights, which would mark a significant shift in the strained bilateral relationship, comes directly at the request of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The move is seen by analysts as directly linked to President Erdogan's recent engagement in mediation efforts to end the current conflict.
Erdogan Intervenes After Receiving Trump Compliments
Since the October 7, 2023, attack and the subsequent war, Turkey has been one of Israel's most vocally critical nations, causing relations across all sectors, particularly tourism and aviation, to become nearly non-existent.
However, the Turkish President, despite his past inflammatory rhetoric toward Israel, has personally asked the airline's management to examine the feasibility of resuming service.
This development follows compliments received by President Erdogan from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Turkish leader's recent diplomatic moves. The internal review at Turkish Airlines suggests a political calculation being made by Ankara to potentially normalize air travel as part of a broader diplomatic pivot.
Major Boost for Israeli Tourism
The potential return of the Turkish flag carrier would be a major development for the Israeli travel sector and the public. Before the war, Turkey was one of the most attractive and frequented destinations for Israelis, favored for its proximity and relative affordability.
Prior to the conflict, no less than 16 daily round-trip flights operated between Israel and Turkey, many serving as crucial connecting flights to wider international destinations.
Turkish Airlines management is reportedly weighing whether to formally request new landing and takeoff slots from the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) in the coming days. The reintroduction of Turkish flights to Ben Gurion Airport could provide a substantial boost to the embattled Israeli aviation industry.