Starting today, Israel is easing restrictions on passenger quotas for flights departing from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport to European destinations. The Israeli Ministry of Transport has approved an increase in the allowable passenger quota to up to 120 passengers per flight, up from the previous limit of 100. This change affects outgoing flights operated by Israeli airlines including El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa. As the week progresses, the Ministry of Transport is considering further increasing the capacity for outgoing flights using narrow-body aircraft bound for Europe to approximately 170 passengers.

On Monday, the Ministry of Transport also lifted the cap of 100 passengers on flights to North America, allowing Israeli airlines to operate these flights at full capacity. This decision comes amid an ongoing recovery in travel demand, as airlines are looking to maximize their load factors in the face of resumed international travel. In doing so, the Israeli government aims to support the national airlines as they adjust to increased passenger demand and benefit from the broader recovery of the aviation industry.

The implementation of these changes is significant as it signals a recovery trajectory for the aviation sector within Israel, reflecting changes in both domestic and international travel policies. By permitting higher passenger numbers, the Israeli government is not only responding to rising demand for travel but also positioning its airlines to better compete in a rapidly evolving international aviation landscape.