Wizz Air relishes competition with Israeli carriers after keeping down Tel Aviv fares

Wizz Air said it has avoided raising ticket prices for Tel Aviv flights, against a backdrop of Israel's sky-high fares after foreign carriers suspended services during the Gaza war and left local airlines with little competition.

The Hungary-based ultra low-cost airline is in negotiations with transport authorities to open a base in Israel by April, but the plan has been greeted with objections from local airlines over increased competition.

Wizz Air is a “clear option” in the Israeli government's wider attempts to address the country's high cost of living, an airline spokesman told The National when asked about the strategy behind its new base.

The carrier resumed flights from Europe to Israel on August 8 and has since announced it will increase flight frequencies on some routes between Tel Aviv and European cities.

“We were one of the last European airlines to leave the country when the war started and we were the first ones to return. We have added significant capacities since our return,” the spokesman said.

“Unlike other [local] airlines, we did not raise our fares to take advantage of their situation, but Wizz kept on offering low fares … the government is keen on solving the cost of living crisis, including the cost of air tickets. Wizz Air is a clear option in this set-up.”

The airline, which has 36 bases in 19 countries, is unfazed by Israeli carriers' opposition to its expansion plans.

“We love competition and we are up for it in Israel too. Wizz Air has been competing other airlines in all of the markets it has operated in,” the spokesman said. “We believe that competition makes the airline better. It keeps us on our toes and is also beneficial for the customers.”

The airline's load factor has exceeded 90 per cent on average for its Tel Aviv flights, underscoring the demand, the spokesman said. This is amid the country's continued fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, despite ceasefire agreements.

Wizz Air is targeting passenger groups including the diaspora, business travellers, outbound tourism from Israel and, eventually, inbound tourists.

“We have a number of new routes in our plans,” the spokesman said.

The airline spokesman said it is looking at several options for its new base. However, given that it operates flights at Ben Gurion International Airport, that “would seem to be a good choice”.

Wizz Air's success in establishing an Israeli base would depend on factors including securing government incentives to offset high aviation costs, and navigating operational challenges, analysts have said.

Wizz Air did not disclose the incentives it is being offered or is seeking from the government to make an attractive business case for the base.

“Since negotiations are still ongoing between Israel and the local stakeholders, this would be too early to comment on,” the spokesman said.

Wizz Air flies to a host of Eastern European destinations, including Katowice, Budapest, Bucharest (pictured), Clus-Napoca and Sofia direct from Abu Dhabi Whether you base yourself in Buda or Pest, the Hungarian capital offers n