Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel's main air gateway, is rapidly resuming operations after the military confrontation with Iran. The return of several leading foreign airlines to Israel on the eve of the summer tourism season is considered a significant turning point for the country's aviation and tourism sectors.
After numerous international airlines suspended flights due to the conflict with Iran, passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport has begun to increase again. This week, the airport recorded its highest passenger numbers since the start of the "Lion's Roar" operation. As of July 1, several major foreign carriers have resumed regular flights to Israel.
Germany's national airline, Lufthansa, has started operating 14 weekly flights on the Frankfurt-Tel Aviv route. The company's flights to Munich will also resume in the coming days. Italy's ITA Airways will operate two daily flights on the Rome-Tel Aviv route, while Latvia's airBaltic will restore direct flights between Riga and Tel Aviv, expanding travel opportunities to the Baltic countries and Northern Europe.
In addition, Germany's low-cost airline Eurowings is also returning to the Israeli market. The company announced that it will start four weekly flights to Hamburg from July 10, and regular flights to Düsseldorf from July 18.
Tamar Garzon, CEO of the Gulliver tourism company, stated that the return of international airlines to the Israeli market promises positive changes for passengers. According to her, increased competition in the market will both increase the number of destinations and provide passengers with a wider choice.
Garzon noted that demand and booking volumes for European destinations have already significantly increased. According to experts, the phased restoration of international flights will make a significant contribution to the full revival of Israel's tourism sector on the eve of the summer holiday season and autumn festivals.