Full Breakdown
Airlines Prepare to Resume Flights to Israel Following Ceasefire
4/12/2026, 12:07:59 AM
Flight Resumptions and New Services
Several airlines have announced plans to reinstate flights to Israel in the coming weeks, marking a significant development following the recent military operations. The Greek carrier Blue Bird is set to resume its service between Athens and Tel Aviv as early as Sunday, becoming the first foreign airline to return since the onset of Operation Roaring Lion on February 28. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways will begin operations to Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday, offering two daily flights in each direction on its Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv route. Additionally, low-cost carrier Wizz Air plans to resume flights to Ben-Gurion starting April 25, initially focusing on its Budapest-Tel Aviv service. Czech airline Smartwings is also set to restart regular flights to Tel Aviv from April 15, with a schedule of seven flights per week.
Expansion Plans at Ben-Gurion Airport
In light of the anticipated increase in flight activity, the Israel Airports Authority and the Transport Ministry are exploring plans to expand operations at Ben-Gurion Airport. This initiative follows the announcement of a ceasefire with Iran, which has prompted optimism regarding the resumption of normal aviation activities. However, aviation officials have indicated that a full return to standard operations may take time due to the ongoing presence of U.S. Air Force personnel and aircraft at the airport. As an initial measure, authorities are focusing on increasing passenger capacity per flight, with narrow-body aircraft expected to accommodate up to 120 passengers and wide-body aircraft up to 150. These changes could be implemented as early as next week.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the positive developments, there are concerns regarding the pace of resuming full flight operations. Critics have pointed out that the presence of military personnel may hinder the swift return to normalcy, potentially affecting tourism and business travel. The cautious approach taken by aviation officials reflects the complexities of balancing security considerations with the need to restore connectivity.
Official Statements
The Israel Airports Authority has expressed optimism about the resumption of flights, stating that the expansion of operations is a necessary step towards normalizing travel to and from Israel. They emphasized the importance of adapting to the current security landscape while facilitating increased passenger movement.
What's Next
As airlines prepare to resume services, the focus will remain on monitoring the security situation and the operational capacity of Ben-Gurion Airport. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how quickly the aviation sector can rebound and what additional measures may be needed to ensure safe and efficient travel.
