Senior executive at Condor, which has returned to Israel: "Over the years, passengers from and to Israel have demonstrated resilience"

"Over the years, passengers from and to Israel have demonstrated resilience and a high appetite for international flights. Our decision was driven by our confidence in the true potential of the market in Israel, and not by short-term developments," Daniel de Carvalho, a member of the management board of the German airline Condor, which launched the route from Frankfurt to Tel Aviv last weekend, told Calcalist.

What conditions must be met for Condor to commit to a long-term presence in Israel?

"A balance between safety and security, operational feasibility, and commercial considerations — these principles guide every decision Condor makes regarding its flight network. Our decision to launch the route to Tel Aviv reflects our confidence in the market. We view Israel as an important destination in our network. As with all destinations we fly to, we continuously evaluate the operational environment and make decisions based on the most up-to-date information. In a volatile environment, there may be temporary setbacks, but our intention is clear: we want to be part of the aviation industry in Israel."

Will the Frankfurt route rely mainly on Israeli passengers, on inbound tourism, or on connecting passengers?

"The strength of this route lies in its diversity. We will meet demand from our key markets in the region, and at the same time, we will provide our guests with convenient connecting flights to destinations across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. As with any new route, we continuously monitor demand and adjust our offering according to market developments."

Airlines have called on governments to provide support or establish compensation mechanisms in the event of security-related disruptions. Do you also think such mechanisms are necessary in Israel?

"When extraordinary circumstances occur, it is reasonable for governments and the aviation industry to have an open dialogue regarding how to ensure reliable international air connectivity while maintaining a level playing field."

Flights to Israel usually involve relatively high operational costs, ranging from security and insurance to airport operations.

"Launching a new destination is rarely about immediate return. It is about building awareness, gaining customer trust, and creating a service that people know they can rely on. Commercial performance is, of course, important, but every decision regarding the network is based on a careful assessment of customer demand, operational considerations, and the overall strategy of our network. With the launch of flights to Tel Aviv, our goal is to provide travelers with an attractive travel option. We believe that Israel is worth the investment."

How does Condor intend to compete for Israeli passengers?

"With high quality and a competitive price. Healthy competition ultimately benefits the passengers."