Ryanair boss in flying visit to Israel to discuss expanding services
Michael O'Leary says low-cost airline 'can bring millions more to Israel, we will grow as fast as the authorities allow us to'
Joe Millis is a journalist
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary believes Israel is one of the most promising tourism destinations and plans to expand the low-cost airline’s operations there.
O’Leary, on a flying visit to Israel on Tuesday, told Israel Channel 13 TV News that the move would allow Israelis and tourists to “enjoy the company’s low prices”.
It would also offer flights from Israel to some “200 new airports and destinations.”
O’Leary met the representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and the Israel Airports Authority. “We can bring millions more to Israel, we will grow as fast as the authorities allow us to,” O’Leary said.
He expressed an interest in having Ryanair operate flights within Israel, which so far has only been handled by domestic airlines.
O’Leary met Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, telling him that Israel could turn into a trendy tourism destination with his company’s help.
“I feel that there is potential for a significant growth in Israeli tourism,” O’Leary said. “I feel that Israel is one of the most refreshing destinations… people are fed up with places like the Caribbean. Israel has wonderful beaches and good cuisine.”
Ryanair recently announced that it was launching flights from Tel Aviv to Athens, Thessaloniki and Sofia. In total, next summer, the airline is expected to operate some 28 weekly flights to Israel from 12 destinations.
Over the past year, some 600,00 Israeli used the airline’s services, double the previous year’s figure.
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