Athens, Greece – EL AL, Israel’s national airline, has announced the phased resumption of its flight schedule, following instructions from the Israel Home Front Command. The airline is set to progressively expand its flight operations in the coming weeks, with approximately 30 destinations in Europe, the United States, and the Far East becoming active from next week. This includes the popular route to Athens.
Extensive Network Coverage and Operational Safety
EL AL’s strategic return focuses on ensuring maximum possible network coverage while maintaining stringent operational safety standards. The detailed program for next week’s flights includes a wide array of international cities:
- Europe: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Batumi, Berlin, Bucharest, Budapest, Frankfurt, Larnaca, Lisbon, Heathrow Airport, 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.
The company emphasizes that the full restoration of its flight program will occur in stages. During this transitional period, certain flights may be subject to changes or even cancellations. Passengers affected by previous cancellations will be proactively informed regarding the confirmation of their travel plans 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 Passenger Re-accommodation
Ticket sales for departures from Israel remain suspended until April 18. Currently, seat availability is exclusively limited to passengers who already hold tickets. Passengers can monitor the status of their flights 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 compliance with instructions from state authorities, all scheduled flights that were planned to depart from Israel up to and including April 18, along with their return flights, have been cancelled. EL AL advises 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.
Athens: A Key European Destination
The inclusion of Athens among the initial 30 destinations highlights its significance as a key European hub for EL AL. The resumption of flights to the Greek capital is expected to facilitate travel for both business and leisure, reconnecting passengers between Israel and Greece.
The return of EL AL flights marks an important step towards normalizing air travel operations and restoring connectivity for thousands of passengers. The airline continues to adapt its schedule based on evolving circumstances and official directives, ensuring a safe and efficient travel experience for its customers.
