British Airways resumes Israel flights but fares remain high

• Published date: 01 April 2024
• Author: Stav Livne
• Publication title: Globes (Rishon LeZion, Israel)

The resumption of flights by British Airways will increase the range of flights available to tourists on the high-demand Tel Aviv-London route but it won't change the high fares prevailing in the market. In order for there to be genuine competition and lower the currently exorbitant flight fares, the return of British Airways is not sufficient

"Globes" found that British Airways is offering almost identical fares to rival carriers. A return ticket from Tel Aviv to London in mid-May costs $435 in economy class without baggage. The cheapest El Al return ticket to London over the same period without baggage is $463.

Narrow-bodied aircraft with a stopover in Larnaca

In addition to the high fares being charged by British Airways, the airline is resuming Israel flights in narrow-bodied aircraft, while before the war it was operating on the Israel route with wider-body planes and a greater choice of seats.

This is not the only British Airways change on the route. While the flight from Tel Aviv to London is direct, the London to Tel Aviv flight will stop in Larnaca, Cyprus to change crew due to concerns about having to sleep over in Israel. There will also be a change in the in-flight menu with lighter meals...