Turkish Airlines is reportedly considering a request to resume flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, a step that could signify a potential thawing of relations after nearly two years without scheduled flights on the Tel Aviv-Istanbul route. Israeli media sources, including Channel 12, highlighted these deliberations, although no official announcement or public flight schedules have yet confirmed the resumption of service.
The timing of this consideration coincides with developments related to diplomatic moves that involve Turkey’s role in securing hostage releases and efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, Turkish Airlines has not publicly confirmed any connection to this geopolitical context.
Historically, Turkish Airlines maintained a robust presence in Israel, operating over ten daily flights between Tel Aviv and Istanbul, and serving as a critical connection hub for Israeli travelers looking to access Europe, North America, and Asia. Nonetheless, in the past year, Turkish carriers, including Pegasus, have relinquished their flight slots at Ben Gurion Airport, signaling a retreat from the Israeli market amid ongoing tensions.
Despite this challenging backdrop, there have been indications of continued operational flexibility, as evidenced by a recent special flight arranged by Turkish Airlines for deported flotilla activists from Israel to Istanbul, illustrating the airline’s ability to conduct ad hoc operations even without a regular schedule.
The Israel Airports Authority and Turkish Airlines have not yet responded to inquiries regarding this potential resumption. The coming days may reveal more about the airline’s intentions, which could pave the way for renewed connectivity and support for both tourism and business ties between the two nations. This development holds the promise for a hopeful reinstatement of relations through air travel and dialogue.