Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has stated that the Irish LCC has been talks with Israeli authorities over the possibility of the establishment of what he described as an "Israeli version of Ryanair."
"We're actively talking to the Israeli authorities, but the difficulty is that once you go outside Europe you need to have, in this case, an Israeli air operator's certificate," O’Leary said. "But it's still very much on the front foot for us. But the Israeli authorities have got much more nervous about protecting El Al Israel Airlines from competition because of the recent events."
Ryanair has previously stated the intention to expand into the Middle Eastern and Russian markets, and is currently in talks with the Cypriot government over a possible purchase of Cyprus Airways and its AOC.
Ryanair in talks to establish Israel-based subsidiary
