Wizz Air said it has avoided raising ticket prices for Tel Aviv flights, against a backdrop of Israel's sky-high fares after foreign carriers suspended services during the Gaza war and left local airlines with little competition.
The Hungary-based ultra low-cost airline is in negotiations with transport authorities to open a base in Israel by April, but the plan has been received with objections from local airlines over increased competition.
Wizz Air is a “clear option” in the Israeli government's wider attempts to address the country's high cost of living, an airline spokesman told The National when asked about the strategy behind its new base.
The carrier resumed flights from Europe to Israel on August 8 and has since announced it will increase flight frequencies on some routes between Tel Aviv and European cities.
“We were one of the last European airlines to leave the country when the war started and we were the first ones to return. We have added significant capacities since our return,” the spokesman said.
“Unlike other [local] airlines, we did not raise our fares to take advantage of their situation, but Wizz kept on offering low fares … the government is keen on solving the cost of living crisis, including the cost of air tickets. Wizz Air is a clear option in this set-up.”
The airline, which has 36 bases in 19 countries, is unfazed by Israeli carriers' opposition to its expansion plans in the country.
“We love competition and we are up for it in Israel too. Wizz Air has been competing other airlines in all of the markets it has operated in,” the spokesman said. “We believe that competition makes the airline better. It keeps us on our toes and is also beneficial for the customers.”
The airline's load factor has exceeded 90 per cent on average for its Tel Aviv flights, underscoring the demand, the spokesman said. This is amid the country's continued fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, despite ceasefire agreements.
Wizz Air is targeting passenger groups including the diaspora, business travellers, outbound tourism from Israel and, eventually, inbound tourists.
“We have a number of new routes in our plans,” the spokesman said.
The airline spokesman said it is looking at several options for its new base. However, given that it currently operates flights at Ben Gurion International Airport, that “would seem to be a good choice”.
Wizz Air's success in establishing an Israeli base would depend on factors including securing government incentives to offset high aviation costs, and navigating operational challenges, analysts have said.
Wizz Air did not disclose the incentives it is being offered or is seeking from the government to make an attractive business case for the base.
“Since negotiations are still ongoing between Israel and the local stakeholders, this would be too early to comment on,” the spokesman said.
Costs and security risks
The Israeli aviation market poses a tough challenge for foreign carriers who face high operation costs, steep security risks and mounting uncertainty due to geopolitical volatility, analysts have said.
“The local [cost] environment is the same for all airlines operating to and from Israel, however due to Wizz Air’s … ultra-low cost model, we have a cost advantage compared to other, especially legacy, airlines,” the spokesman said.
However, Wizz Air faces “substantial operating-cost headwinds”, Linus Bauer, founder of UAE boutique consultancy BAA & Partners, told The National.
“Israel’s airports carry relatively high fees – landing, ground handling, parking, air traffic control charges – compared with many low-cost-friendly airports,” he said.
In addition, from 2026, passenger taxes and other airport fees at Ben Gurion International Airport are scheduled to rise by about 14 per cent on average, he added.
Operations are further complicated by high security risks and geopolitical volatility.
“Political or security events – given Israel’s volatile security environment – could quickly upend operations,” Mr Bauer said.
Domestic carriers El Al, Arkia Airlines and Israir have argued that Wizz Air's entry could destabilise the local market, undermine national resilience in times of crisis and lead to unfair competition.
“Domestic carriers’ argument about 'national resilience' should not be dismissed lightly; in the event of renewed conflict, foreign carriers might suspend operations, leaving Israel again reliant on domestic airlines,” Mr Bauer said.
Wizz Air said it makes its security decisions based on several independent government and private intel sources.
“The airline does not only evaluate specific intel from one specific Israeli or international government sources or private sources, but collects information from different sources and makes an educated decision according to the airline’s own risk assessment and internal policies,” its spokesman said.
“Safety and security of our crew members, passengers and aircraft can never be compromised.”
Success drivers
Wizz Air confirmed it will invest $1 billion in Israel over the next few years by stationing up to 10 aircraft permanently in the country. This would lead to 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, the spokesman said.
Even though the airline aims to start with a small footprint, scaling up will require extensive regulatory co-ordination on slot allocation, traffic rights, possibly domestic-route commitments such as Tel-Aviv–Eilat and perhaps “burdensome compliance” with local labour and security regimes, Mr Bauer said.
Ultimately, Wizz Air's success with its base will depend its ability to manage costs carefully, secure favourable slot allocations and negotiate fee reductions or discounts with the airport authority, analysts say.
If Wizz can station local crews, rather than rotating pilots and cabin crew from Hungary, labour-cost savings may offset at least part of the security-related overheads, Mr Bauer said.
Nevertheless, “there is a real risk that ticket pricing pressure will be limited (or eroded over time) by the combination of high structural costs and potential regulatory or union resistance,” he added.
“If airports succeed in passing through increased taxes and surcharges (which seems likely given the announced fee hikes for 2026), the low-cost business model might be less sustainable.”
Company%C2%A0profile
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 6 (McTominay 2', 3'; Fernandes 20', 70' pen; Lindelof 37'; James 65')
Leeds United 2 (Cooper 41'; Dallas 73')
Man of the match: Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
What is the definition of an SME?
SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.
A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors.
Mobile phone packages comparison
SPECS
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Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
EXPATS
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
SPECS
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The years Ramadan fell in May
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
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In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
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Selected fixtures
All times UAE
Wednesday
Poland v Portugal 10.45pm
Russia v Sweden 10.45pm
Friday
Belgium v Switzerland 10.45pm
Croatia v England 10.45pm
Saturday
Netherlands v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Denmark 10.45pm
Sunday
Poland v Italy 10.45pm
Monday
Spain v England 10.45pm
Tuesday
France v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Wales 10.45pm
The specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 849Nm
Range: 456km
Price: from Dh437,900
On sale: now
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
