Tensions between Israel and Iran are escalating, as Israel carried out a “preemptive” strike on Iran, and we’re now expecting some sort of a major response. I’ve covered how some flights bound for Israel diverted as a result of this. We’re now seeing airspace and airport closures, and we’re even seeing EL AL suspend operations, which we almost never see…
EL AL moves entire fleet out of Israel
Israeli national airline EL AL has been operating flights to and from Israel pretty consistently since the conflict started on October 7, 2023. While most foreign airlines have suspended operations to the country repeatedly, EL AL has continued to operate these flights (while making record profits), thanks to its special security equipment on aircraft, and other enhanced safety protocols.
However, EL AL has now flown its entire fleet out of Israel, clearly reflecting that some sort of major attack on Israel is a serious possibility.
EL AL flights that were inbound to Israel have diverted, primarily returning to their origins. For example, below is the route for yesterday’s EL AL flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv, which returned to its origin after roughly seven hours.
Meanwhile those flights that were scheduled to depart from Tel Aviv were largely flown with whatever spare aircraft were remaining, in some cases leading to significant upgrades. For example, today’s EL AL flight from Tel Aviv to Bucharest (OTP) was operated by a Boeing 787-9, rather than the typical Boeing 737-800.
EL AL suspends flights indefinitely
Israel has now closed its airspace for takeoffs and landings, and with that, EL AL has also suspended its operations altogether. The airline has canceled flights, and is telling customers booked on flights through Sunday, June 15, 2025, to simply not come to the airport.
EL AL is giving passengers the option of a refund. The airline is recommending that passengers abroad arrange hotel accommodations, though isn’t offering to help (presumably unless a flight involves a country where the government has a duty of care clause for airline passengers, like in select European countries).
Meanwhile the airline has closed all reservations for travel through Monday, June 30, 2025. That’s not necessarily because the airline doesn’t anticipate operating until then, but rather, so that those on canceled flights will have the opportunity to be rebooked.
It’s not often that you see Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport without any commercial aircraft…
Bottom line
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport has suspended operations. Along with that, EL AL has flown all of its aircraft out of Israel. The airline has canceled flights through at least June 15, but has stopped accepting reservations through June 30.
This is the most significant EL AL suspension that we’ve seen in quite some time. I hope for increased peace in the region, because the current trajectory of this conflict isn’t looking great…
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