On May 2, 2025, three major airlines — Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic — announced they would permanently cease operating flights to and from Israel. The decision marks a significant shift in the country’s international air connections.
Geopolitical tensions at the core of the decision
The ongoing conflict since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, has deeply affected Israel’s aviation sector. While many airlines initially suspended flights temporarily, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus have now officially given up their time slots at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, signaling a permanent withdrawal from the route.
Virgin Atlantic, which had planned to resume service between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv in November 2025, has also confirmed that it will not go forward with that relaunch. The airline has permanently canceled its operations to Israel.
Impact on travelers and tourism
Before the conflict, Istanbul was one of the most popular destinations for Israeli tourists, with Turkish Airlines ranking as the fourth-largest operator at Ben Gurion Airport. The suspension of these routes drastically reduces travel options for Israeli passengers, especially for connections to Europe and beyond.
This pullback is likely to impact inbound tourism to Israel as well, affecting the local economy and hospitality sector.
A reshaped aviation landscape
With the exit of Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and Virgin Atlantic, Israeli carriers such as El Al, Israir, and Arkia may see increased demand on their remaining routes. Meanwhile, some international carriers might consider stepping in to fill the gap, though the current security situation poses a significant barrier to new entrants.
The development highlights how critical geopolitical stability is to sustaining international air travel — and how vulnerable the sector remains to regional conflict.