EL AL, Israel’s national airline, has announced the gradual restart of its flight operations, adhering to the directives issued by the Israel Home Front Command. The company plans to progressively expand its flight network in the coming weeks, with a focus on restoring a comprehensive schedule.
EL AL’s Expanded Network: 30 Destinations Worldwide
Starting next week, EL AL will operate flights to approximately 30 destinations across Europe, the United States, and the Far East. This strategic expansion aims to achieve the broadest possible network coverage while maintaining stringent operational safety standards. Among the key destinations to be reactivated is Athens, a popular route for both business and leisure travelers.
Detailed Flight Program: Europe, US, and Far East
The airline’s revived program includes a diverse range of cities:
- Europe: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Batumi, Berlin, Bucharest, Budapest, Frankfurt, Larnaca, Lisbon, Heathrow Airport (London), Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Prague, Rome, Tbilisi, Vienna, Warsaw, and Zurich.
- United States: Los Angeles, Miami, and New York (JFK and EWR airports).
- Far East: Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo.
EL AL emphasizes that the full restoration of its flight program will occur in phases. Passengers should be aware that certain flights may be subject to changes or cancellations during this transitional period. The airline is proactively informing passengers whose flights were previously canceled about their travel plan confirmations and re-routing options, where feasible. Priority for re-routing is given to original destinations, nearby alternative options, and cases involving exceptional humanitarian or medical needs.
Ticket Sales and Operational Adjustments
Ticket sales for departures from Israel remain suspended until April 18. Currently, seat availability is limited exclusively to passengers who already hold tickets. Passengers can monitor their flight status through the “Manage Booking” section on EL AL’s website or mobile application, which now also displays an estimated timetable for seat allocation for outbound flights.
In accordance with instructions from state authorities, all scheduled flights planned to depart from Israel up to and including April 18, along with their return flights, have been canceled. The company assures passengers that there is no immediate need to contact customer service, as the re-routing and notification process is being handled automatically. Any remaining available seats will be released for sale once the passenger re-accommodation process is complete.
This resumption of flights marks a significant step towards normalizing air travel for EL AL, providing much-needed connectivity for passengers and contributing to the recovery of the global aviation sector.
