El Al Israel Airlines is actively expanding its international network by adding new destinations in Asia, including a scheduled route between Tel Aviv and Hanoi, set to commence on October 24, operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The airline is also planning to introduce services to Seoul in March 2027 and to Manila at a later date, these routes contingent upon obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.
Currently, El Al serves several destinations in the Asia-Pacific region such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo. However, the airline aims to increase its presence in the region, especially following recent disruptions caused by conflicts stemming from the Israel-Hamas war. The new routes will mark a significant step in its efforts to rebuild and expand its international footprint amid ongoing regional challenges.
European and Other Routes
In addition to Asian routes, El Al’s leisure subsidiary Sun d’Or International Airlines will launch six seasonal European destinations starting May 24, including Basel, Copenhagen, Dubrovnik, Cagliari, Catania, and Zagreb. The airline has also announced plans to operate flights to Salzburg, Austria, and Varna, Bulgaria, as well as to resume services to Naples, Italy. These additions bolster Western Europe as the airline’s largest regional market, representing approximately 48% of its capacity.
Amidst its expansion, El Al faces a record fine from Israel’s Competition Authority, alleging it charged excessive fares during the Gaza conflict when it held monopoly power on many routes. The authority has proposed a NIS121 million ($39 million) fine, though El Al disputes the claim and plans to contest it, asserting its pricing was justified given the circumstances.
This strategic expansion and legal challenge reflect El Al’s broader efforts to recover from recent regional turmoil while managing regulatory pressures and restoring its international network.
