The ceasefire that went into effect Wednesday morning has sparked renewed optimism across Israel's tourism sector. Following weeks of flight cancellations by international carriers amid the expanding conflict with Lebanon, industry executives are now forecasting a gradual return to normalcy and potential fare reductions.
"The aviation potential unlocked by this ceasefire brings tremendous promise," Nir Mazor, chief marketing officer of CEO at Aviation Links, says. "We anticipate seeing additional carriers resume their routes to Israel in the immediate future, which will significantly expand market capacity."
Mazor notes that the return of international airlines will have far-reaching benefits, saying, "As foreign carriers resume operations, we expect to see more competitive and accessible pricing for consumers. The improved security situation and renewed stability should drive increased demand for both leisure travel and flights, particularly as we approach the Hanukkah season and year-end festivities."
However, industry leaders caution against expectations of an immediate recovery. Shirley Cohen Orkaby, VP for marketing for Eshet Tours, offers a measured perspective. "While this represents a positive initial step, we shouldn't expect all international carriers to resume service overnight. The aviation industry operates on months-long planning cycles, and many airlines have already redirected their aircraft to alternative routes. The scheduled March reopening of Terminal 1 will be crucial for low-cost carriers, but overall, this development is encouraging. As long as stability persists, we'll witness a gradual return of airlines. It's worth noting that we're in the winter season, traditionally a lower period for tourism, which will influence the recovery pace," she said.
Oren Cohen Meguri, vice president for marketing and sales at The Flying Carpet, shares the industry's renewed sense of hope. "Today marks an optimistic turning point for our sector. We anticipate growing passenger numbers at Ben Gurion International Airport as airlines progressively resume service, with promising prospects for Hanukkah celebrations, Christmas markets, and New Year's festivities. The calendar of international performances and events should drive significant growth in the coming months. Our optimism stems from the belief that this period of calm will endure, allowing the industry to reclaim its former vitality."
