Wizz Air Announces Plans to Establish a Base at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport in 2026
European low-cost airline Wizz Air has confirmed plans to open a new base at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv starting April 2026. The announcement was made by CEO József Váradi during his recent visit to Israel, where he held meetings with government officials and local stakeholders. The new base aims to deploy several A320 family aircraft, create hundreds of jobs, and expand Wizz Air’s presence in the Middle East market.
Previously, Wizz Air withdrew from its Abu Dhabi base and scaled back operations in London Gatwick, but with the recent ceasefire and improved geopolitical stability, the airline is preparing to commence operations at Tel Aviv. The move is seen as part of Wizz Air’s strategy to capitalize on the high travel demand among Israelis and the country's economic support for expanding international aviation links.
Background and Reactions
The Israeli government has been actively encouraging the airline’s expansion, with officials from the Transport Ministry and the Israel Airports Authority reportedly visiting Budapest to finalize the plans. However, the decision faces opposition from local airlines such as EL AL and Arkia, which express concerns over potential market distortions and competition impacts. EL AL’s CEO, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, warned that the plan could harm Israeli airlines and compromise national resilience.
“The plan entails a risk of substantial harm to Israeli airlines in particular and to the State of Israel in general,”
Despite these concerns, government officials and Wizz Air remain committed to the project, highlighting potential economic benefits, including thousands of new jobs and increased route options. The airline does not currently base aircraft at Tel Aviv but has been operating flights from various European bases into the city.
The establishment of the base marks Wizz Air’s return to the Middle East market, after its earlier unsuccessful attempts in Abu Dhabi. The airline believes that additional aircraft and reduced costs from base closures elsewhere will improve its viability in Israel. As the regional travel market recovers, Wizz Air’s expansion plan is expected to strengthen competition and diversify options for travelers.
