Photo: Amit Cotler It appears that Turkish airlines will not return to Israel anytime soon. This implies the non-preservation of slots for Turkish Airlines and Pegasus, for which takeoff and landing times were supposed to be preserved until June.
Several months ago, harsh criticism was directed at the preservation of slots for Turkish airlines, despite their cessation of flights to the country and the severance of relations between the countries, as well as the strange notion that they would return to fly to Israel soon. Industry sources stated that this was a "nonsensical" decision that prevents Israeli companies from growing and meeting the increasing demand for flights.
"It seems as though Ben Gurion Airport is operating under illusions", claimed one source. "There is no tangible indication that Turkish airlines intend to return to regular operations here, and yet they are still keeping the slots for them as if they are opening new routes tomorrow. There is a lack of transparency that is harming the entire market".
According to those sources, there is a clear feeling that Arkia and Israir are forced to work with their hands tied, while the field remains reserved for players who are not part of the game at all. "Israeli companies urgently need these slots. They are a limited and expensive resource, especially in the summer season that is starting soon, and any delay harms both them and the passengers", the sources added. Now, it will be interesting to see who will receive the reserved slots.