The Current Situation
Ben-Gurion Airport, Israel’s international gateway, is operating at a quarter of its capacity due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The majority of international airlines have ceased operations in Israel, leaving Israeli carriers and a handful of others to maintain connectivity.
Why It Matters
The reduction in flights impacts not only the availability of travel options but also the cost and convenience for those needing to fly to or from Israel. It also represents an opportunity for Israeli airlines to capture a larger market share, potentially reshaping the future landscape of air travel in the region.
Who’s Still Flying?
El Al, Arkia, and Israir continue regular operations, supported by a robust insurance policy. A few Arab airlines, such as Etihad and Fly Dubai, and Ethiopian Airlines also maintain flights, though overall capacity is greatly reduced.
Travel Agency Trends
El Al has become the default option for travel agencies, especially for routes to North America. The airline is also expanding its network to include cities like Warsaw and Krakow.
Strategic Alliances
Virgin Atlantic has forged a partnership with El Al, offering through-ticketing and reasonable fares to the United States, providing travelers with another option amidst the limited choices.
Looking Ahead
Many anticipate that normal service will resume once the conflict concludes, but the timeline remains uncertain. El Al’s monopoly on certain routes allows it to command higher fares, which may persist until competition returns.
Consumer Advice
Travelers are encouraged to understand the cancellation policies of their tickets and to consider the flexibility of changes when booking, as the industry landscape may shift rapidly once peace is restored.
Long-Term Implications
The travel industry’s recovery is expected to outpace the healing of the nation’s wounds. However, the extent to which Israelis will resume international travel after the conflict ends is difficult to predict.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, the war will end, and airlines will return to Israel. The interim period poses both difficulties and opportunities for travelers and airlines alike, with the certainty that the industry will eventually adapt and thrive once again.
This story was first published on jpost.