Turkish airport sources confirm the decision of Turkish Airlines and low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines not to resume flights to Tel Aviv's "Ben Gurion Airport", permanently renouncing the slots (the time slots for take-off and landing, Ed.) previously held. The suspension of flights, initially implemented following the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, now translates into a permanent farewell.

Turkish Airlines, which in the pre-pandemic period was the fourth largest carrier in the Israeli airport by passenger traffic, operated up to sixteen daily flights on the profitable Istanbul-Tel Aviv route, which is crucial for transits to numerous destinations in Europe, North America and Asia. Pegasus Airlines also played a significant role, ranking as the twelfth largest carrier by passenger volume.

The renunciation of slots, regulated by the international "use it or lose it" regulation which requires their return in case of non-use (except for causes of force majeure such as conflicts), was expected by March 2025, but the persistent uncertainty in the region has led to an extension, culminating now in the definitive decision.

The decision by Turkish Airlines, 49% owned by a Turkish State fund, is being interpreted by international observers also in light of the criticism expressed by President Erdogan towards Israeli policies. In parallel, yesterday Virgin Atlantic announced its decision not to resume connections with Tel Aviv, cancelling the London-Heathrow/Tel Aviv route with immediate effect. However, the British air company has specified that it will continue to offer connections between the British capital and the Israeli city thanks to a code-sharing agreement with El Al, the Israeli national carrier. Customers impacted by the cancellation of flights operated by Virgin Atlantic will be contacted by email starting from May 10 to receive information on the available options, including the possibility of rebooking on a flight operated by El Al or requesting a refund. This decision comes after approximately 18 months of evaluations on the future of the route within Virgin's expanding network.