Israeli Airlines Dominate Ben Gurion After Foreign Carriers Exit

Great news for travelers planning trips to Israel – while overall flight traffic dropped 21% in early 2026 due to the war’s impact, Israeli airlines have stepped up to fill the gap left by foreign carriers.

El Al is now flying 38% of all passengers through Ben Gurion Airport, significantly increasing their market share as international airlines reduced their Israel routes. Wizz Air holds second place thanks to strong January and February operations, but El Al has clearly taken the lead in serving travelers to Israel.

What does this mean for your trip planning? You’ll likely find more options on Israeli carriers like El Al, Israir, and Arkia, which have expanded their international routes to meet demand. While fewer foreign airlines are currently operating, the Israeli carriers are working hard to maintain connections between Israel and major destinations worldwide.

If you’re booking flights to Israel, consider checking El Al and other Israeli airlines first – they’re currently your most reliable options for getting to and from Ben Gurion Airport.