First after the Israeli ones: Greek Blue Bird rose to fourth place at Ben Gurion Airport

Israeli airlines dominate the aviation industry in Israel almost completely, holding a market share of more than 60%. They are usually followed by the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air or Emirati carriers such as Etihad and flydubai. However, in July, Blue Bird Airways recorded an exceptional figure of 7.5% market share at Ben Gurion Airport, transporting approximately 173,100 passengers.

This new milestone places the airline in fourth position on the list of carriers flying the most passengers from Ben Gurion Airport, following El Al, Israir, and Arkia. The only previous time the company reached this spot was in May, when the aviation industry was impacted by airspace closures during Operation "Lion's Roar," at which time it held only 3.7% of the market. This trend is also reflected in cumulative traffic for 2026, as Blue Bird Airways has transported 340,800 passengers since the beginning of the year, securing a 4% market share.

Although Blue Bird Airways is a Greek airline, it maintains a direct Israeli connection, leading many to perceive it as a local company. Founded in 2008, and despite its headquarters in Heraklion, Crete, it is owned by the Israeli tourism group Kavim Hofshot, controlled by businessmen Ami Cohen and Arnon Englander. Since 2024, Kavim Hofshot has also owned the airline TUS, based in Larnaca, Cyprus.

During the "Iron Swords" war, the operations of Blue Bird Airways and TUS Airways became especially significant for the Israeli aviation market. Unlike most foreign airlines, both companies continued to operate flights throughout most of the war, with only brief interruptions. Even during periods when only Israeli airlines were permitted to land at Ben Gurion Airport, these companies maintained connectivity by operating flights to nearby airports, such as Taba in Egypt.