Turkey based airlines Turkish Airlines and Pegasus are showing no restraint and withdraw from Israel. The move by both airlines has great implications for the bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a move signalling a further downturn in Turkish-Israeli relations, both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines have officially relinquished their valuable take-off and landing slots at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. This decision marks a definitive step back for the Turkish carrier. It also presents new challenges for Israeli travellers seeking global connectivity.
Recognition
The historical context underscores the significance of this development. Turkey was among the first predominantly Muslim nations to recognize Israel in 1949. In the 1990s there was a peak in military, economic, and political cooperation between the two countries. However, since the ascent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, bilateral ties have steadily deteriorated.
Escalating tensions, particularly following the conflict in Gaza, culminated in Turkey severing all trade relations with Israel in May 2024. President Erdoğan’s vocal support for Hamas, which he described as a ‘liberation movement,’ further strained relations. This political climate has directly impacted the aviation sector. Both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines initially suspended their flights to Israel on October 10, 2023. This suspension that was subsequently extended twice into the spring of 2025.
Withdrawal
Recent reports from the Times of Israel indicate that both airlines have now opted for a permanent withdrawal. The surrender of their previously held slots in Tel Aviv strongly suggests the termination of any immediate plans for a return to the Israeli market. As of yet, no official statements have been released by either Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines regarding this decision.
The Israeli press has highlighted the likely political motivations behind this move. Especially considering the strong commercial success of the Tel Aviv-Istanbul route. In 2023 alone, Turkish Airlines operated nearly 5,200 flights on this route. It positioneditself as the fourth-largest airline at Ben Gurion Airport at one point. During peak seasons, the airline offered up to sixteen daily flights.
Connection loss
The departure of these Turkish carriers represents a significant loss for many Israeli nationals. Turkish Airlines boasts connections to over 360 destinations across more than 130 countries. In comparison, the network of Israel’s national carrier, El Al, is considerably more limited.
Consequently, the absence of Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines will be keenly felt by Israeli travellers. Many of them relied on Istanbul as a convenient and efficient transfer hub. The timeline for a potential return of Turkish airlines to Israel remains highly uncertain at this juncture.