El Al, Israel’s national airline, has announced its first major route expansion since October 7, 2023, adding nine new destinations across Asia and Europe.
The expansion will increase the airline’s network to a record 60 destinations, with three new Asian routes marking the airline’s strongest focus on leisure travel in recent years.
The carrier plans to launch service to Hanoi in October 2025, Seoul in March 2027, and Manila at an unspecified date, all operating three times weekly using Boeing 787 aircraft.
Asian and European expansion
According to El Al’s website, economy fares for the Asian routes will start at $899 round-trip for Vietnam, adding to its existing network that includes 16 weekly flights to Thailand and five to Japan. The airline currently serves Delhi, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo in the region.
The carrier’s subsidiary Sundor will handle European expansion through seasonal service to six destinations between May 24 and October 24, 2026. Routes include Copenhagen, El Al’s return to Denmark after 25 years, along with destinations in Sicily, Sardinia, Switzerland, and Croatia. These European routes will use the Boeing 737 aircraft, with economy fares ranging from $339 to $529 round-trip.
Industry context
The expansion comes amid scrutiny over El Al’s wartime pricing practices. The airline is facing investigation for allegedly price-gouging during the conflict and a $600 million class-action lawsuit alleging exploitation of wartime monopoly conditions.
Despite legal challenges, the announcements highlight Israel’s aviation sector resilience. El Al already operates a record 55 weekly flights to North America, demonstrating sustained connectivity demand despite regional tensions.
