Ryanair to Reduce 22 Routes from Tel Aviv in Winter 2025 Amid Slot Denials

Ryanair has decided not to reinstate 22 flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) during the winter season of 2025-2026. This choice stems from the airport’s inability to confirm slot availability for the airline’s summer 2026 timetable.

In a statement made on September 30, 2025, Ryanair clarified that this decision was greatly influenced by Ben Gurion Airport’s reluctance to assure operational continuity of Terminal 1, which primarily caters to low-cost carriers, amid potential future security concerns.

Last summer, Ryanair’s operations faced numerous interruptions due to heightened security issues in Israeli airspace. The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) issued several airspace closures on May 4, 2025, following missile and drone strikes tied to the ongoing conflict involving Iran-backed militias.

In May 2025, a missile launched from Yemen struck near Ben Gurion Airport, resulting in a temporary air traffic halt and the cancellation of multiple flights. During June and July, the airport experienced several hours of shutdowns, leading to diversions and cancellations as Israel faced ballistic missile and drone threats.

Given these conditions, Ryanair emphasized that it could not strategize future flights without assurances regarding the accessibility of Terminal 1 during elevated security times. The airline noted it was unwilling to incur increased costs associated with the airport’s shutdowns, which it believes are primarily for the airport’s convenience.

A spokesperson for Ryanair expressed frustration: “We are tired of our low-fare flights being repeatedly disrupted by Ben Gurion Airport. We cannot justify resuming operations to and from Tel Aviv for the winter if we lack certainty about our slots for summer 2026.”

The airline cuts 22 routes at Tel Aviv

The decision to suspend these flights will result in a loss of one million seats and 22 routes for Ryanair at Ben Gurion Airport.

“We regret this outcome, as it means Tel Aviv will lose access to the 22 routes we operated in the last winter season. Until Ben Gurion Airport is prepared to uphold its low-cost agreements with us, we are not inclined to restart flights there,” the spokesperson elaborated.

However, Ryanair indicated that it may consider resuming services to Tel Aviv in summer 2026, contingent on the airport’s commitment to honor the airline’s slots and maintain pricing consistent with Terminal 1’s rates. Should that occur, Ryanair looks forward to reinstating its services to Tel Aviv.