Astounding Snub: Ryanair Cuts All Tel Aviv Flights After Airport Refuses Low-Cost Demands

The budget airline Ryanair officially announced today (Tuesday) that it will not resume its low-cost flight operations from Tel Aviv for the upcoming winter season. This decision follows escalating tensions between the prominent low-cost carrier and the Israel Airports Authority (IAA).

The dispute, which intensified in recent correspondence, centered on the allocation and stability of slots (takeoff and landing times) at Ben Gurion Airport. Ryanair argued that the slot policy at TLV is "unstable and does not allow airlines to plan profitable operations." The core reason for the flight cancellation is the airport authority's refusal to pre-approve Ryanair's historical takeoff and landing slots for the summer 2026 schedule. Furthermore, the IAA did not commit to keeping Terminal 1, designated for low-cost carriers, open for the airline's operations.

Ryanair maintained that in the past, TLV had unexpectedly closed Terminal 1, forcing the airline to relocate to the more expensive Terminal 3. This forced move severely undermined its low-cost business model. The airline stated it is willing to operate flights from Terminal 3 in the future, but only if it is charged the lower fees associated with Terminal 1, and not the higher rates of Terminal 3. The company has declared that it will only consider resuming operations if Ben Gurion Airport commits to both its historical slots for summer 2026 and adheres to the Terminal 1 agreements.

The airline had previously issued an ultimatum with today as the deadline for the return of its historical slots, and by adhering to its position, it confirms that Israeli passengers will not fly with the major low-cost player this winter.

In response to the announcement, Transportation Minister Miri Regev was quick to criticize the airline's decision. She stated, "The feeling is that Ryanair acted throughout from non-professional motives. I said then and I say today, their slots will be distributed to companies that do fly to and from Israel. Airlines will understand that it is a privilege to fly the citizens of the State of Israel, and there are quite a few of those." The minister added a pointed remark for those who choose to cease operations: "Regarding those who choose to boycott, the notebook records everything."

The official withdrawal by Ryanair, a key player in the local low-cost market, signifies a major setback for Israeli travelers who rely on the affordable fares offered by the airline. The slots vacated by Ryanair are now expected to be reallocated to other carriers operating in Israel.