What's Happening?
TAP Air Portugal has announced the resumption of its flights to Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion Airport starting March 29, 2026. This marks the airline's return to the Israeli market after halting services due to the outbreak
of war in October 2023. TAP will operate five weekly flights between Lisbon and Tel Aviv using Airbus A320neo aircraft. The reintroduction of these flights is expected to create significant competition on the Lisbon route, particularly in terms of pricing. TAP's one-way fares start at $176, which is considerably lower than those of Israel's El Al, where a similar ticket costs $522. The competitive pricing extends to round-trip tickets as well, with TAP offering fares from $373 for travel during the Passover holiday, compared to El Al's $1,458.
Why It's Important?
The return of TAP Air Portugal to the Israeli market is significant as it introduces competitive pricing, which could influence the broader airline industry in the region. The lower fares offered by TAP may pressure other airlines, such as El Al, to adjust their pricing strategies to remain competitive. This could lead to more affordable travel options for consumers, potentially increasing passenger traffic on the Lisbon-Tel Aviv route. Additionally, the resumption of flights by TAP is a positive indicator of recovery and normalization in international travel following disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.
What's Next?
As TAP Air Portugal resumes its operations, it is likely that other airlines may also reconsider their pricing and service offerings to maintain market share. The competitive landscape could lead to further innovations in service and pricing strategies. Additionally, the increased connectivity between Lisbon and Tel Aviv may foster stronger economic and cultural ties between Portugal and Israel. Stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry will be closely monitoring passenger response to the new pricing and service offerings.
