Passengers slam Israeli airlines for unfair practices

As the wars in Gaza and Lebanon disrupt air travel in the region, Israeli airlines, including El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Sun d’Or, have capitalized on the absence of foreign carriers to dominate the market. 

With a monopoly-like hold, these airlines have significantly raised fares—up by more than 50% in a year. Among them, Arkia Airlines, a low-cost carrier with limited onboard services, has faced mounting criticism for dubious practices aimed at extracting more money from passengers.

Since the beginning of the year, Israeli airlines have reported record profits, with Arkia seeing an unprecedented surge in activity. 

Despite operating with a modest fleet of five Airbus aircraft, Arkia has been forced to lease additional planes to meet soaring demand for flights to destinations such as Cyprus, Greece, and other parts of Europe.

While the carrier benefits from this extraordinary period, its passengers are left dealing with prohibitively high fares and hidden fees, tarnishing the company's reputation.

One of the most contentious issues with Arkia is its online baggage policy. 

While many low-cost airlines, such as EasyJet, WizzAir, and Ryanair, charge extra for checked luggage, Arkia takes this practice to an entirely new level. On its website, the option to purchase baggage at the standard price appears to be intentionally blocked.

As a result, passengers are left with no choice but to pay for their baggage at check-in—at double the original price. Despite repeated complaints from travelers, Arkia has not addressed this glaring issue, leaving many to accuse the airline of engaging in deliberate and predatory tactics.

No Accountability from Arkia

Attempts to contact Arkia for clarification on this matter have gone unanswered, further fueling suspicions of intentional malpractice. For many, the company's silence is tantamount to an admission of guilt. Passengers feel trapped by Arkia’s lack of transparency, as they face exorbitant costs while receiving minimal service in return.

While Arkia benefits from the current crisis, its questionable practices have left many passengers deeply dissatisfied. Travelers heading to or departing from Israel are advised to consider alternative airlines whenever possible to avoid unnecessary stress and hidden fees.

In an industry that thrives on competition and trust, Arkia’s actions are a stark reminder of the importance of fair pricing and honest customer service—values the airline seems to have neglected in favor of profiteering.