Ben-Gurion Airfares Expected to Drop in 2026 as Airline Capacity Surges

The year 2026 is expected to be a turning point for Israeli air travel. A new report by Eshet Tours Group confirms a notable drop in airfares is coming. This relief follows two years of high ticket prices. The price drop is driven by three main factors. These are increased airline supply, lower fuel costs, and a favorable exchange rate.

However, the price drop will not be uniform. It depends heavily on the number of weekly flights to each destination. At the same time, global hotel prices continue to trend upward. Destinations like Greece, the Balkans, Central Asia, Morocco, and the Far East are expected to gain traction. Japan stands out as a particularly favored destination in the Far East.

Airline Capacity Surge Driving Price Relief

The most significant factor is the surge in airline capacity at Ben-Gurion Airport (TLV). Dozens of foreign airlines have resumed operations in recent months. Nearly 60 carriers now fly in and out of Tel Aviv. This number is set to rise further, increasing competition.

Israeli Carriers Dominate European Routes

Israeli airlines filled a gap when foreign carriers suspended service during the conflict. Prior to the war, most Israeli carriers operated small fleets. Now, Israir and Arkia are planning to fly with 18 planes each. Sun d'Or, a subsidiary of El Al, will operate about seven aircraft. This includes leased planes. This formidable combined fleet now dominates European routes. These routes were once led by foreign low-cost carriers. Arkia is actively wet-leasing wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This allows them to maintain long-haul service to New York and Bangkok until at least October 2026.

Foreign Airlines and New Competition

The return of major international carriers is putting downward pressure on Israeli airfare prices 2026. Carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air France, and the Lufthansa Group are all back.

Crucially, low-cost carrier Wizz Air is committed to opening an operational base in Israel. This is planned for as early as March or April 2026. The move would allow Wizz Air to base Airbus A320 family aircraft at TLV. It could expand their network to nearly 50 routes. This commitment is a major competitive development for the Israeli aviation sector. The combined increase in both Israeli and foreign airline capacity means supply is finally overtaking demand.

Economic Factors and Shifting Travel Map

Lower Operating Costs

Global economic factors are also contributing to lower fares. Jet fuel prices are at their lowest levels in years. The IATA forecasts jet fuel will fall to $88 per barrel in 2026. This is a key factor in reducing airline operating costs. Furthermore, a strong Shekel relative to the dollar makes foreign travel cheaper for Israelis. For example, Israel-Italy flights will increase to 40–50 per week in 2026. This is a significant jump from just 10 flights at the height of the war.

New Tourism Map Emerges

Geopolitical shifts have redrawn the Israeli tourism trends 2026 map. Western European destinations have seen a decline in popularity. This is due to security concerns and reports of rising antisemitism. Conversely, Balkans Central Asia travel has surged. Balkan countries like Montenegro, Albania, and Bulgaria are popular for their proximity and affordability. Central Asia and the Caucasus, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia, are also gaining popularity. The Far East is making a strong comeback, led by Japan. Lower ground costs in Asia, partly due to a declining Japanese yen, also help affordability. The possible expansion of the Abraham Accords could further reshape this travel map. Direct flights to new countries remain a long-term opportunity for the region's commercial aviation news.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Inbound Tourism and Image Restoration

While outbound tourism is robustly rebounding, inbound tourism remains weak. The country faces a long road to restoring its image globally. Early action is necessary to bring visitors back in 2026. This requires targeted marketing campaigns and partnerships. A revival of inbound tourism would benefit the tens of thousands of workers in the sector.

Changing Booking Habits

Israeli travelers are reversing a post-war trend of last-minute bookings. More travelers are now securing trips months in advance. This helps lock in better rates and preferred hotels. There is also a growing interest in traveling during shoulder seasons. This includes winter or the period between Passover and summer. A new trend, "Whycation," reflects a desire for purpose-driven travel. This is seen in the rising demand for spa, wellness, and longevity-focused vacations.