Ryanair is no longer operating flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, and the destination has been removed from its online map.
This, coupled with the cancellation of 22 routes and about one million planned seats, leaves the future of the carrier’s operations in Israel unclear.
Previously, the airline had only suspended its winter routes, but this recent action suggests a more permanent retreat.
Earlier this year, the budget carrier announced it may never resume operations in Israel when violence related to the Gaza war ends.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin in September, group chief executive Michael O’Leary said the airline was being ‘messed around’ by airport authorities there.
He told journalists: ‘I think there’s a real possibility that we won’t bother going back to Israel… when the current violence recedes.’
The complete removal of Tel Aviv from Ryaniar’s online destination map came with no formal announcement from the airline on whether flights might resume.
The company has not issued any new public statement about a permanent withdrawal from Israel, beyond its earlier notifications about suspending flights for the coming winter season.
Ryanair is no longer operating flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, and the destination has been removed from its online map
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin in September, group chief executive Michael O’Leary said the airline was being ‘messed around’ by airport authorities there (file image)
Pictured: The coastline and skyline of Tel Aviv, Israel, along the Mediterranean Sea
Over summer, the airline said it would not return to Israel until at least 25 October, in line with other carriers such as British Airways and easyJet who have halted flights due to conflict in the region.
But recently it was reported Ryanair may walk away from the country for good due to higher rates charged by Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport for use of the main terminal, while the cheaper low-cost terminal remains closed for security reasons.
O’Leary added: ‘Unless the Israelis kind of get their act together and stop messing us around, frankly, we have far more growth elsewhere in Europe.’
He further warned of the impact the Russia-Ukraine war may have on airlines in years to come.
He said: ‘There’s a huge increase in NATO air activity over southern and eastern Poland, that constrains the availability of airspace for commercial travel.
‘This is going to be an ongoing issue for all airlines and all European citizens for the next number of years. The risk is one of continuous disruption, rather than of safety.’
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