The Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is preparing a large-scale expansion by opening a base in Tel Aviv that would operate more than 200 weekly flights to major cities in Europe and the region. The plan, which represents a major market opportunity for the Hungarian carrier, would have a significant impact on Israel’s international aviation, as low fares and a dense schedule would fundamentally reshape the competitive landscape.
Huge Market Opportunity for Wizz Air
Wizz Air is a Hungarian low-cost airline founded in 2003 by József Váradi, the former CEO of Malév. It launched its first flight in 2004 and quickly expanded across Central and Eastern Europe with its budget-friendly fares. Wizz Air focused on efficiency and rapid growth, establishing multiple bases in countries such as Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. By the 2010s, it had become the largest low-cost carrier in the region, serving destinations in over 50 countries and solidifying its position as a major player in the global low-cost aviation market.
Wizz Air’s strategy is clear: it aims to treat Tel Aviv not merely as a new destination, but as a regional hub from which its entire European network can be strengthened. The airline has steadily expanded its presence in Israel in recent years, and this move appears to be a logical continuation of its market expansion. According to the plan, Wizz Air flights from Tel Aviv would connect to ten destinations in eight countries: Larnaca, Milan, Rome, London, Vienna, Bucharest, Iași, Sofia, and Abu Dhabi would all become accessible. With this, Wizz Air would become the largest non-Israeli European carrier at Ben Gurion Airport.
Not Everyone Is Happy in Israel
The reception of Wizz Air’s expansion in Israel has been mixed. Transport Minister Miri Regev called the development ‘huge news’ and argued that Wizz Air’s presence would increase competition, directly lowering ticket prices. The cost of air travel has long been a contentious issue in Israel: ticket prices are high compared to other countries in the region, and consumer demand for cheaper alternatives is strong. Regev may also gain political advantage from the initiative, as much of the public would support more affordable travel options.
‘The cost of air travel has long been a contentious issue in Israel’
‘This is huge news for the Israeli public, especially in a period in which some foreign airlines are reducing their activity,’ a statement on Regev’s behalf said. ‘We will increase the offering of flights and destinations of aviation giant Wizz Air, with low prices that will restore power to the consumer.’
By contrast, El Al and other Israeli airlines firmly reject the idea of the Hungarian carrier opening a base. In a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Regev, they stressed that foreign airlines are not subject to Israel’s strict security regulations, which impose significant additional costs on domestic carriers. They argued that a Wizz Air base, supported by a fleet of 230 aircraft, would create unfair competition, weaken the local industry, and set a dangerous precedent. If the Hungarian low-cost airline is allowed in under such conditions, other foreign players could demand the same. According to El Al, this could ultimately undermine the resilience of Israel’s economy.
The Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) has also demanded that the Ministry of Transport halt the move and coordinate with it. ‘Any arrangement that takes into account only a small number of particular interests will endanger the stability of the Israeli airlines…and as a result will endanger the stability of the whole industry,’ the Histadrut claims.
‘If the government yields to Wizz Air’s request, it could open a new era in Israeli aviation’
The Budapest-based company’s management has not commented in detail on the Israeli debate, but industry sources say it is ready to cooperate with local authorities to meet security requirements. For now, the Hungarian low-cost airline has not publicly disclosed whether it intends to station aircraft and crew at Ben Gurion Airport.
All Eyes on the Israeli Government
The Israeli government thus faces a difficult decision. On the one hand, consumer interests push the balance toward cheaper tickets and greater choice. On the other, the national airline’s concerns and the security considerations of the aviation sector cannot be ignored, especially given Israel’s unique geopolitical situation. The emphasis on national interests and the strict security regulations—which have always played a prominent role in Israel for historical and political reasons—further complicate the matter.
The issue therefore goes beyond economic rationality. Wizz Air’s base opening carries political, security, and strategic significance as well. If the government yields to Wizz Air’s request, it could open a new era in Israeli aviation and represent a major market breakthrough for the Hungarian airline.
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Author: Dávid Nagy
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