Erdogan pulls strings as Turkish carriers boycott Israel

The decision of the Turkish airlines and Bigasus to abandon their openings (time windows to take off and land) at Ben Gurion Airport is not a commercial decision, or even a security decision. It is a political decision by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government controls the entire Turkish aviation industry.

For beginners, the Turkish government has a 49.12 % stake in Turkish Airlines, the largest airline in the world, with a value of $ 11.43 billion. PEGASUS is controlled by Esas Holdings, with 52.81 % stake. ESAS Chairman is Ali Sabanchi, who is close to Erdogan.

The Turkish socialist newspaper “Evrensel” reported last month that Pegasus, which ended the past two years with a net profit of $ 880 million, bought 44 new aircraft by granting the state. Granting companies tax exemptions is Erdogan’s classic method.

Huge purchase of aircraft

In 2009, the Turkish government launched an incentive program to buy 100 aircraft with a 50 % grant for 84 of which, and 15 % for the remaining 16th article. Last December, PEGASUS reached an agreement with Boeing for 200 aircraft: $ 100 in the system, and an option for a different 100. At the same time, a 15 % grant compared to $ 1.6 billion is $ 240 million. Add it together and reach $ 4.44 billion – the price of 44 aircraft.

This is a digital clarification of Erdogan’s close relationship with Sabanci, as is the case with many other wealthy businessmen and does not provide any excuse to hide it. Amid the criticism of Israel, the Turkish president launched the second runway at Sabeha Gwan Airport in East Istanbul, the main base of Bigasus, in December 2023. In his speech, Erdogan boasted that Turkish Airlines would buy 300 aircraft. In response, Sabanchi pledged to buy 150 new aircraft.

Erdogan does not care about these aircraft for ways to live Turkish Airlines or PEGASUS, but for the political and diplomatic lever they allow. For example, just three weeks after the revelation of the trade blockade of Turkey on Israel, Turkish Airlines announced the resumption of flights to the Afghan capital, Kabul – despite the Taliban regime. These are regular weekly trips that resumed after a three -year stop.

Work considerations do not concern Erdogan in the aviation sector

On the other hand, Erdogan, of course, took care of both his reserves, and the new self in Syria and the old in Somalia. In addition to daily flights to Beirut, Turkish Airlines already run three flights per week to Damascus, and daily flights to Somalia, despite the volatile security situation in the African country.

The bottom line is clear: Erdogan is not interested in working considerations in the aviation sector. After all, Tel Aviv Erbul Road was the most profitable for Turkish Airlines for many years, thanks to its many prayers in the Far East, Europe and North America. The 286 destinations run by Turkish Airlines, which ranks fifth in the world in this regard, reflect Ankara’s desire to obtain political and not economic gains.

Although Turkish Airlines and Bagasus had great openings in Israel, with excellent hours, both airlines chose to “choose”, or rather that Tardagan does not resume on Ben Gurion Airport. Ankara is well aware that the long -term ceasefire between Israel and an unexpected enthusiasm in the near future. Just as local political pressure has prompted Erdogan on a trade embargo on Israel, he understands well that his voter base will not accept the renewal of flights to Israel. Consequently, another important column has been lost in Israel’s relations in favor of the Turkish president’s ambition to make constitutional changes that allow him to run again in the 2028 elections.

It was published by Globes, Israel Business News – En.globes.co.il – on April 28, 2025.

© Copy Publish Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. , 2025.