Turkish Airlines (THY) plans to restart flights on the Tel Aviv-Istanbul route on a limited scale in June 2025, with full operations resuming in October 2025. According to sources in the airline industry, this route is considered one of THY’s most profitable, and its reopening is of great significance.
The Importance of the Tel Aviv-Istanbul Route
Turkish Airlines temporarily suspended operations in Tel Aviv in October 2023 due to the outbreak of war. However, this route remains strategically important as it strengthens THY’s international network, particularly due to the high demand for connecting flights from Israel to Europe, North America, and Asia.
In the past, Turkish Airlines operated 10-16 flights per day on the Tel Aviv-Istanbul route and carried over 5% of the passengers passing through Ben Gurion Airport in the summer of 2023. Pegasus Airlines is also a significant player in the Israeli market, but both THY and Pegasus face the risk of losing their slots if they do not resume operations.
The Critical Importance of Slots
Maintaining slots is vital for airlines to continue operating at Ben Gurion Airport. Losing slots could allow competitors, such as FlyDubai, to fill the gaps and gain market share.
FlyDubai currently operates eight daily flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai, offering passengers global transfer opportunities via Dubai. Losing high-frequency slots at Ben Gurion could weaken Turkish Airlines’ competitive position and result in losing a critical opportunity to secure market leadership in Israel to competitors.
Decision-Making Process and Operational Uncertainties
THY and Pegasus were scheduled to undergo an evaluation process in March 2025 regarding the decision to restart operations. However, due to ongoing security concerns in the region, this decision-making period has been extended until May 2025. The reallocation of flight slots in May will be a decisive factor for THY’s return.
THY in the Balance of Diplomacy and Economy
Although Turkish Airlines is managed as a profit-driven business, its operational decisions are influenced by diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel. Flights to Israel, while not crucial for Turkey’s tourism sector, provide a significant strategic advantage by strengthening THY’s international connecting flights.
The expected resumption of flights in June will provide a crucial connection for passengers traveling between Turkey and Israel, as well as enable Turkish Airlines to regain its leadership position in the region. Full operations resuming in October 2025 will further strengthen THY’s presence in this market.
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