Wizz Air to open 'Israeli' hub by April, pledges $1 billion investment

Wizz Air Chief Executive Jozsef Varadi announced plans to establish a hub in 'Israel' by April 2026, a move aimed at creating a low-cost air traffic infrastructure. The announcement came after a meeting with 'Israeli' Transportation Minister Miri Regev last week.

Varadi said, “We are fully committed to the idea of putting a Wizz base in Israel,” adding that the airline expects the hub to be operational around March or April. He highlighted that reducing living costs is a key issue globally, and low-cost aviation could contribute to easing the financial burden on citizens.

- Investment and expansion plans -

The Hungary-based airline, which already operates 36 bases in 19 countries, is considering either Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv or Ramon Airport near Eilat for its 'Israeli' hub. 'Israeli' media reported that Wizz Air plans to invest USD 1 billion over the next three years, station 10 aircraft in the country, introduce 50 new routes, and create 4,000 jobs.

- Government and industry reactions -

Regev said 'Israel' faces high living costs, and increasing competition in aviation is necessary to lower fares. “We are committed to lowering prices, increasing seating capacity and improving service,” she said, emphasizing public frustration over high airfares during the two-year Gaza genocide when foreign airlines paused operations.

Local carriers Israir and Arkia, while not opposing competition, criticized the plan as unfair. Israir said it could create “unjustified gaps between Israeli and foreign airlines that directly harm the Israeli public, reduce the local flight supply, and leave Israel exposed to dependence on international airlines that will sharply raise prices later on.”

Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz added that Wizz should pay high security costs like 'Israeli' carriers. Israel’s main labor union has also expressed concern about the initiative.