Ryanair Suspends Israel Services Indefinitely
Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ireland-based Ryanair, announced that the likelihood of cancelling Israel flights is high due to the ongoing war in Gaza and security risks.
Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, has announced that its flights to Israel may not resume. At a press briefing in Dublin, CEO Michael O’Leary stated: “Even if the violence in the region subsides, there is a possibility we may not return to Israel.”
O’Leary also accused Israeli airport authorities of irregular practices against Ryanair, emphasising that the decision was being assessed not only in terms of security but also operational conditions.
A Decision Shrouded in Uncertainty
In the summer, Ryanair had announced that it would reconsider flights to Israel no earlier than 25 October 2025. However, recent developments in the region have cast further doubt beyond that date.
Air Traffic at Risk in the Region
Ryanair’s position aligns with similar decisions taken by many international airlines. Attacks by Yemen’s Armed Forces on Ben Gurion (Tel Aviv), Lod (Jaffa) and Ramon (Um El-Rashrash) airports in Israel have created serious risks to air traffic safety.
Yemeni forces recently claimed responsibility for strikes on these three airports, stating that their operations had successfully hit their targets.
Industry Impact
Ongoing conflicts and security issues in the Middle East threaten not only Israel’s air traffic but also the continuity of international connections across the region. According to aviation experts, this situation may lead to route restructuring, particularly for low-cost airlines.
