Ryanair, the prominent Irish budget airline, has confirmed plans to restart its Israel operations from June 2, as validated by the Airports Authority. Operating out of Terminal 1, the airline will schedule 20 flights each week to several destinations including Bergamo, Malta, Berlin, Bari, Budapest and Paphos. Ryanair's return to Israeli skies is anticipated to intensify competition, leading to potential price reductions for the routes it serves.
In February, Ryanair halted its Israel services less than a fortnight after reinstating flights to Ben Gurion Airport. The airline attributed this decision to the continued closure of Terminal 1. This was an essential factor considering the passenger fee at Terminal 1 for budget and domestic flights is $11, significantly lower than the $27 fee at Terminal 3.
The Transportation Ministry last month revealed its plans to reopen Terminal 1 from June 1, clearing the way for Ryanair to resume its service. The ministry's decision was based on projected growth in air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport over the summer and the resumption of services by other international airlines, necessitating the resumption of Terminal 1 operations from June 1.
"In recent months there has been a steady increase in the volume of passengers abroad and a significant return to Ben Gurion Airport of foreign international airlines," the Airport Authority said in a statement.
Over 60 international airlines are expected to operate at Ben Gurion Airport, covering more than 100 destinations. The daily passenger count in the summer months is estimated to reach approximately 70,000, a stark increase from the current figure of about 35,000 passengers.