Following the outbreak of the war, most foreign airlines grounded all flights to Israel, leaving travelers from Ben Gurion Airport almost entirely dependent on Israeli carriers.
However, as months passed, foreign airlines began trickling back, and gradually, the prices, which soared during that period, started to fall to more manageable levels.
An analysis by Israeli website Secret Flights shows that price differences for various destinations can reach down more than half.
New York, March flights
Before the reintroduction of additional airlines, Israeli flag carrier El Al's price stood at $1,445. Following their return, it fell to $810, marking a 39% drop.
What changed? According to Secret Flights founder Yaniv Lenis: "After American Airlines canceled operations at Ben Gurion Airport, leaving El Al as the sole carrier for direct flights to North America, United and Delta announced their return. Additionally, several European airlines resumed operations in Israel, reopening the connecting flights market."
Amsterdam, showing in March-June:
Price before airlines' return: $610 (El Al). Price after airlines' return: $407 (EasyJet). The difference: 34%.
What changed? Lenis explains: "Before the war, four airlines operated regular flights to this destination. Recently, we learned that KLM is set to return to operations in Israel, as well as low-cost carrier EasyJet, which is also reinstating its Amsterdam route."
London, showing in March:
Price before airlines' return: $685 (El Al). Price after airlines' return: $156 (Wizz Air). The difference: $529.
What changed? Lenis says: "Tel Aviv-London is one of the most popular flight routes. All airlines operating on the London route canceled their flights, except for El Al, which remained the sole carrier. Wizz Air and British Airways announced the return of the London route. Additionally, low-cost carrier EasyJet is also set to resume its flights."
Paris, showing in February-April:
Price before airlines' return: $590 (El Al). Price after airlines' return: $256 (Transavia). The difference: 67%.
What changed? According to Lenis: "Throughout the war, El Al remained the sole operator on this route. Air France was among the first to resume its flights, as well as its subsidiary, Transavia, which reinstated the route to Paris. EasyJet is also operating on this route."
Rome, showing in March-June:
Price before airlines' return: $390 (El Al). Price after airlines' return: $133 (Wizz Air). The difference: 66%.
What changed? Lenis explains: "El Al remained the sole operator on this route throughout the war. ITA Airways JZRV resumed flights on March 1, and so did low-cost carrier Wizz Air. EasyJet is set to resume its flights at the end of March."
Berlin, showing in January-June:
Price before airlines' return: $452 (El Al). Price after airlines' return: $176 (El Al). The difference: 62%.
What changed? Lenis says: "El Al remained the main operator on this route throughout the war, while Israir and Arkia operated a few flights to this destination. Ryanair briefly reinstated its flights on this route. EasyJet is also set to resume the route to Berlin in the coming month."