Minister Regev with WizzAir President Transport Minister Miri Regev held a dramatic joint press conference today (Thursday) with Wizz Air President Joseph Váradi, who is visiting Israel, as part of discussions to advance the establishment of the company's operational base in the country. Váradi announced that operations are set to begin by April 2026. Regev, on her part, emphasized her firm standpoint on boosting competition in the aviation sector and reducing the cost of living, while committing to maintain the strength of Israeli airlines and the welfare of industry workers.
"We Will Not Accept Price Inflation – Competition Will Reduce Living Costs"
Regev opened with sharp remarks concerning the state of the aviation market and the cost of living in Israel: "The State of Israel is dealing with the cost of living, and we are working through all channels to reduce it, especially in transportation and specifically in the aviation sector," she stated.
The minister cited the 'Open Skies' reform as an example of a move where Israel opened the market, created competition, reduced prices, and simultaneously maintained the resilience of Israeli companies.
"The path to lowering prices is through competition and creativity," she stressed. "This is how we conducted the Open Skies reform, which proved itself – it maintained Israeli companies, lowered prices, and added destinations for the Israeli public."
However, Regev criticized Israeli companies' conduct regarding ticket prices during wartime, saying: "I highly respect and appreciate the Israeli companies that operated during challenging times and provided solutions for Israeli citizens and security interests. But it is no secret that Israeli airlines inflated prices during Israel's difficult moments, and this is an unacceptable reality."
She stated, "We are committed to reducing prices, increasing the number of seats, and improving service for passengers."
"Strengthen Competition – Protect Workers"
Regev also addressed the concerns expressed by workers' committees and the Histadrut regarding Wizz Air's potential base in Israel: "I am aware of the workers' committees' concerns," she said. "We have already met several times with the Histadrut, workers' committees, and the CEOs of Israeli companies. We promised to boost competition while doing everything we can to protect Israeli companies and workers."
According to her, the move with Wizz Air is not at the expense of local companies but is supposed to create a competitive, balanced, and solid market: "Israel is a country that believes in a free economy and competition. Today we are taking another step towards a more accessible and affordable aviation market, but we will not allow harm to the strength of Israeli companies and thousands of jobs."
Photo: ShutterstockRamon Airport in Focus: "Interest in Making It a Lively Hub"
One of the central issues discussed during the meeting with Váradi and his team was revitalizing Ramon Airport in the south: "We have a significant interest in turning Ramon into a vibrant hub that serves Israeli citizens living in the south," Regev said. "During the meeting, various issues were raised about promoting the establishment of the base, including renewing and increasing activity at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports. I believe we can find a solution in the future."
The minister highlighted that it was agreed for professional teams from the Ministry of Transport and Wizz Air to continue working to bridge regulatory gaps, with another meeting scheduled for the end of January to finalize details, with the intention of advancing the establishment of Wizz Air's operational base in Israel swiftly.
"Trust in the Israeli Market – Not Taken for Granted"
Regev also used the press conference platform to thank the Hungarian company for its commitment to the local market: "I want to thank the CEO of Wizz Air and his team for their trust in the Israeli market. It is not to be taken for granted in this period," she said.
She added thanks to the Ministry of Transport's team and the professionals leading the initiative:
"I thank the Ministry of Transport's team, the Ministry's CEO, the Airports Authority, and all the professional teams. This move will strengthen the aviation market in Israel, meet passengers' needs, and encourage companies to operate competitively and fairly."
Váradi: "We See Israel as a Strategic Partner – We Want to Be Part of the Change"
Following Regev, Wizz Air President Joseph Váradi spoke, with his words translated into Hebrew. Váradi praised cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and the potential of the Israeli market: "Israel is an important and dynamic market. We see the country as a strategic partner and want to invest here long-term," he said.
Váradi emphasized that increasing Wizz Air's activities in Israel could significantly contribute to the local economy: "The aviation sector can create jobs, strengthen the economy, and make flights more accessible to the general public. We want to be part of this change, offering more seats, competitive prices, and efficient service."
According to him, the company is committed to working closely with Israeli authorities: "We highly appreciate the dialogue with the Ministry of Transport and professional bodies. We will continue to work together to meet regulatory requirements and build a framework that will allow for a stable and strong base of operations in Israel."
If the negotiations lead to the establishment of Wizz Air's operational base in Israel, this would be one of the most significant moves in recent years in the local aviation market, closely watched by Israeli companies, the Histadrut, and, of course, the public.
Watch the full statement: