Talks are in progress to create a “hub” in Tel Aviv for foreign carriers to operate onward flights to Eilat. It was originally stated in the open skies agreement that foreign airlines were not permitted to establish hubs in Israel, but new proposed policy is set to change this. In a recent press conference, Transport Minister Yisrael Katz outlined plans for international airlines to create hubs in Israel and to allow companies to offer connecting flights from Tel Aviv to Eilat. In doing so, Katz hopes to encourage competition among airlines, reduce flight costs and increase tourism to the south of Israel. It has also been reported that Ryanair has approached the transportation ministry in pursuit of establishing a fixed base of operations at Ramon airport in Eilat.