Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines have suspended flights to Israel and returned their airport slots, according to a report by Aerotime. The move affects both carriers' operations on the route, though the report does not specify the duration of the suspension or the number of slots involved.
The decision was reported on 29 April 2025, and follows a period of heightened tension in the region. Neither carrier has issued a public statement regarding the suspension, and details on whether the slots will be reclaimed in the future remain unclear.
For the travel trade, the suspension removes a key connection between Türkiye and Israel, potentially affecting tour operators and passengers who relied on these direct services. The return of slots suggests the carriers do not expect to resume operations in the near term, which could lead to reduced capacity on the route and higher fares on alternative connections.
Why it matters
The suspension of flights by both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines removes a significant portion of direct air capacity between Türkiye and Israel. For tour operators and DMCs in the region, this could disrupt existing itineraries and force rebooking onto other carriers or via third countries, potentially increasing travel times and costs.
The decision to hand back slots, rather than hold them for a temporary pause, signals that the carriers may be planning a longer-term withdrawal from the route. This could have lasting implications for bilateral tourism and business travel, as well as for the competitive landscape on routes that remain operational.
Travel buyers should monitor whether other carriers step in to fill the gap, and whether the suspended services resume once conditions allow. The slot return also suggests that the carriers are not anticipating a quick resolution, which may influence planning for the upcoming travel season.
