Ryanair Exit from Tel Aviv Forces Travelers to Seek New Routes Amid Winter Season

Published on November 21, 2025

Ryanair, the low-cost European airline, has confirmed it will not operate flights to Tel Aviv during the winter 2025 to 2026 season. This marks a significant shift in the airline’s plans, as Tel Aviv is no longer listed among the active or paused destinations on the Ryanair website. While the airline has not issued a formal statement on whether the suspension will be permanent, the update on its website suggests that the airline is withdrawing from the Israeli market for the time being.

Tourism Impact: Flight Cancellations Shake Israeli Travel Market

The decision to pull out of Tel Aviv affects more than just Ryanair’s winter route schedule. Approximately 22 direct routes were cancelled, which translates to around one million planned seats for the winter period. This has removed a large portion of low-cost capacity from Tel Aviv, intensifying pressure on other airlines operating in the region. For tourists looking to travel between Israel and various European destinations, this cutback represents a major reduction in options.

While the decision comes at a time of heightened uncertainty, it also highlights the potential long-term impact on the tourism sector. As one of the most popular gateways for budget-conscious travelers to and from Israel, Ryanair’s absence could push many tourists to seek alternatives, such as higher-cost carriers or different airports. This change is expected to be felt more keenly by travelers on a budget, as low-cost flights to Tel Aviv were previously a popular choice for European tourists.

Regulatory and Infrastructure Issues Affecting Ryanair’s Operations

Ryanair’s retreat from the Tel Aviv market appears to stem from ongoing regulatory and operational challenges at Ben Gurion Airport. The airline had previously pointed to two main issues: the lack of approved slots for the 2026 summer season and the ongoing uncertainty about the future of Terminal 1, the terminal used for low-cost operations. Without clarity on these critical factors, Ryanair indicated it could not plan future schedules, particularly for medium-term flights.

The Israeli airport’s infrastructure challenges, coupled with regulatory barriers, have created a difficult environment for Ryanair’s operations. As a low-cost airline, Ryanair relies on efficient slot allocations and cost-effective facilities, which are currently in flux at Ben Gurion Airport. The airline’s inability to secure the necessary approvals for its 2026 schedule further complicates its ability to make long-term plans for flights to Israel.

Flight Withdrawals Leave Gaps in the Travel Network

With the cancellation of flights between Tel Aviv and several European cities, travelers may find themselves searching for new flight options. While other international carriers have resumed service to Tel Aviv after earlier suspensions, Ryanair’s complete removal of the route underscores the airline’s deepening uncertainty in the Israeli market. Other airlines are likely to face increased demand as passengers seek alternative carriers to fill the gap left by Ryanair’s departure.

Despite the challenges faced by Ryanair, other international carriers, including legacy airlines, have managed to maintain or even increase their service to Israel. These airlines have adjusted their schedules and added capacity to meet the demand for travel to and from Israel, indicating that, for now, Israel remains a key destination for international tourism.

The Road Ahead for Ryanair and Israeli Tourism

Ryanair’s decision to suspend its Tel Aviv routes raises questions about the airline’s future presence in the Israeli market. While the airline has not confirmed whether it will return, the removal of Tel Aviv from its list of active destinations signals a deeper uncertainty about the airline’s operations in the region. For the time being, Ryanair passengers will need to look elsewhere for budget-friendly flights to Tel Aviv.

For Israeli tourism, the departure of a major low-cost carrier represents a challenge, particularly for European tourists seeking affordable travel options. With Ryanair’s absence, the Israeli market could see a reduction in budget-conscious visitors, while other carriers may increase their offerings to compensate for the lost capacity. The situation will require close monitoring as the tourism sector adjusts to the changing dynamics in flight availability and pricing.

Image Source: AI