El Al faces new competition as airlines return post-ceasefire

Following the recent ceasefire with Hezbollah, international airlines are gradually resuming flights to Israel, providing alternatives to the high fares charged by El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. during the war.

 El Al, which held a virtual monopoly on long-haul routes to destinations like the US and Thailand, is now facing increasing competition as more carriers reintroduce services.

According to El Al’s third-quarter report, the airline commanded an 86.4% market share of flights between Israel and North America and a 70.6% market share of flights to South and East Asia during the conflict. With many foreign airlines avoiding Israel, travelers had few alternatives to El Al’s expensive flights.

For example, El Al’s economy-class tickets to New York were priced at $1,200–$1,300 round trip, and fares to Bangkok started at $1,300. These prices left many passengers frustrated, as limited options drove costs upward.

As the situation stabilizes, 22 foreign airlines are now flying to and from Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, compared to over 80 before the war. 

Notably, while US carriers have not yet resumed flights, other international airlines are stepping in to offer cheaper alternatives:

• Air Europa will provide five weekly flights with convenient connections to South America.
• Blue Bird resumes three weekly flights to Rome.
• Wizz Air, the Hungarian low-cost carrier, is gradually expanding its services. Initially offering flights to Cyprus, it will include other European destinations like London starting in January. A round trip to London in February costs just $232 on Wizz Air, compared to $500 on El Al.

Next week, Polish carrier LOT Airlines will resume flights to Israel. "Globes" found round-trip tickets from Tel Aviv to New York via Warsaw for $619 in February, less than half the price of El Al’s direct tickets.

Travelers heading to Asia are benefitting from UAE-based airlines, which have bolstered their schedules:

• Etihad Airways is increasing weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi from 10 to 19.
• flyDubai will maintain six weekly flights, bringing the total number of flights between Israel and the UAE to 25 per week.

Etihad offers a round-trip ticket to Bangkok in February for just $782, with short layovers in Abu Dhabi, compared to El Al’s direct flights starting at $1,300.

European Destinations: Connecting Flights Save Costs

For European destinations like Paris, London, or Geneva, passengers can save significantly by opting for connecting flights via Greece or Poland, rather than booking direct flights with El Al.

The return of foreign airlines is expected to gradually stabilize the flight market, reducing costs and increasing options for travelers. 

While El Al continues to serve as Israel’s national carrier, passengers now have alternatives that could help make international travel more accessible and affordable in the coming months.