The era of low-cost airlines is ending in Israel due to new problems in the industry.

Leading travel industry experts have sharply criticized the decision to keep Terminal 1 open for domestic flights only. Now all international flights will be served in Terminal 3, which will significantly increase airline costs. Due to a sharp drop in passenger traffic, Terminal 1 is closed to international flights until March 2025.

The head of tourism at the consumer club HOT, Yehuda Zafrani, emphasizes the importance of planning for the future: “The war will not last forever.” However, the decision to redistribute responsibilities between terminals angered Shirley Cohen-Orkaby of Issta Tours, who called it problematic and negative for foreign airlines.

The crisis has also affected airport staff. Dozens of Airports Authority employees have received notice of impending layoffs. Cruise Tour CEO Siman Ovadia warns that staff cuts could cause operational chaos when flights resume after the crisis.