Israel anticipates resumption of Turkish Airlines's flights to Ben-Gurion Airport

After a two-year hiatus, Turkish Airlines may resume flights to the Israeli Ben-Gurion Airport.

The decision is being considered amid Türkiye’s mediation efforts to end the “Iron Sword” war, as well as a personal appeal from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the airline’s management to explore the possibility of resuming flights, Caliber.Az reports per Israel's Channel 12.

Before the war broke out on October 7, 2023, Türkiye was one of the most popular destinations for Israeli tourists, with up to 16 daily flights between the countries. Istanbul was seen as a convenient and affordable destination for leisure, shopping, and connecting flights to Europe and Asia.

With the start of hostilities, relations between Israel and Türkiye sharply deteriorated, and Turkish Airlines completely suspended its flights to Israel, dealing a heavy blow to the aviation and tourism sectors in both countries.

Now, amid diplomatic changes and Türkiye’s attempts to restore its role as a mediator in peace negotiations, the possibility of resuming flights in the coming months is being discussed. Sources say Turkish Airlines’ management is considering submitting a request to the Israel Airports Authority for new temporary takeoff and landing slots.

By Khagan Isayev