Airlines Expand Israel-Italy Routes as Demand Surges and Price Gaps Reach 160%

The flight network between Israel and Italy is experiencing significant expansion as airlines increase frequencies and launch new routes to meet surging demand. Blue Bird Airways recently announced a new route to Bologna, operating three times a week with one-way fares starting at €128. The Israeli-owned Greek carrier also plans to add direct flights to Rome and Naples starting September 17, expanding its existing Italian network which already includes Bologna, Bergamo, and Milan.

Concurrently, Wizz Air is broadening its Italian operations by resuming flights to Catania (four weekly flights) and Venice (three weekly flights), alongside increasing frequencies to Rome and Milan (up to 14 weekly flights) and Naples (up to seven weekly flights).

Rising Demand and Market Share

According to data from the Israel Airports Authority, Italy has become the third most popular destination for Israeli travelers, trailing only Cyprus and Greece. In July alone, approximately 180,000 passengers flew from Israel to Italy, accounting for 7.8% of all passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport, up from 5.84% during the same period last year.

From the beginning of the year through the end of July, about 640,000 Israelis traveled to Italy, representing 7.5% of total airport traffic. Search and booking data from lastminute.co.il indicate that Rome and Milan remain the most sought-after destinations, followed by Catania, Verona, and Naples.

During the autumn and upcoming holiday season, Israeli travelers will have access to at least 11 different destinations across Italy, including Rome, Milan, Bergamo, Venice, Verona, Bologna, Naples, Bari, Catania, Palermo, and Cagliari in Sardinia.

Significant Price Discrepancies

An analysis conducted by lastminute.co.il for flights departing from October 3 shows that the average price for a round-trip direct flight to Italy is approximately $350. Fares peak at the beginning of October and gradually decline toward the end of the month.

However, price comparisons reveal dramatic differences between airlines operating the same routes. For flights to Rome, Milan, and Naples, the highest average fare is over 160% more expensive than the lowest average fare. Conversely, price gaps for Catania and Verona are much narrower, standing at approximately 17% and 13% respectively.

For example, the average round-trip fare to Rome on Wizz Air is $150, compared to $307 on Israir, $398 on Blue Bird, $424 on ITA Airways, and $425 on El Al (which is the only carrier including a trolley bag in its base price).

For Milan, Wizz Air offers an average fare of $190, while El Al charges $405, ITA Airways charges $438 (including a layover), and Blue Bird averages $548. In contrast, Verona flights show minimal variance, with Israir averaging $285 compared to $322 on Wizz Air.

Strategic Booking and New Destinations

Assaf Greenberg, VP of Marketing at lastminute.co.il, emphasized the importance of comparing options:

"The data clearly shows that choosing a destination is not enough; comparing airlines and flight dates is crucial. In Rome, Milan, and Naples, we see price gaps exceeding 160% between the lowest and highest average fares. Travelers with flexible dates and airline preferences can achieve substantial savings without changing their destination."

Additionally, Gulliver travel agency reported that a mid-October round-trip flight to Bari with Israir costs $536 (excluding baggage), while similar dates to Rome cost $335, Catania costs $328, and Naples is available for $305.

Tamar Gerzon, CEO of Gulliver, noted that the expanded flight network allows Israelis to explore lesser-known regions of Italy:

"Israelis know and love Italy, but they are looking to discover new places. The expanded options allow travelers to step off the beaten path, tailor the destination to their vacation style, and realize there is still so much left to see."