Why It Matters
The network growth strengthens El Al’s competitive position, tapping rising demand for Middle‑East‑to‑Asia travel and seasonal European tourism, which could boost revenue and market share.
Key Takeaways
- •Nine new routes added, three mainline, six Sundor.
- •Hanoi launches Oct 25 with three weekly 787 flights.
- •Seoul service starts March 2027, three weekly 787 flights.
- •Manila planned, three weekly 787 flights, start date TBD.
- •Summer European routes run May‑Oct with 737s via Sundor.
Pulse Analysis
El Al’s latest route rollout reflects a broader industry trend of legacy carriers diversifying their networks to capture emerging demand corridors. By allocating three new long‑haul services to its mainline fleet, the airline leverages the fuel‑efficient Boeing 787 to offer competitive schedules between Tel Aviv and fast‑growing Asian hubs. This move not only enhances connectivity for business travelers and tourists but also positions El Al to compete more aggressively against regional rivals such as Turkish Airlines and Emirates, which have long dominated these routes.
The Asian additions—Hanoi, Seoul and the pending Manila service—signal a strategic pivot toward Southeast and East Asian markets where outbound Israeli travel is on the rise. Deploying the 787’s range and passenger comfort aligns with expectations of higher yield yields on premium cabins, while three‑weekly frequencies provide a balance between market testing and operational flexibility. These routes also open new cargo opportunities, supporting trade flows between Israel’s tech sector and the manufacturing bases of Vietnam, South Korea and the Philippines.
On the European front, Sundor’s seasonal 737 operations target leisure travelers seeking Mediterranean and Central European destinations during peak summer months. By using a low‑cost subsidiary, El Al can offer price‑competitive fares without diluting its main brand’s premium perception. The May‑October window captures high‑season demand, boosting ancillary revenues from tourism, hospitality partnerships, and airport services. This dual‑track strategy—premium long‑haul growth paired with cost‑effective seasonal routes—positions El Al to diversify its revenue streams and improve resilience against market volatility.
El Al Adds Destinations for 2026
Israel’s national airline will add several destinations to its route network during the coming months, including both year‑round and seasonal services
The carrier said it will offer nine new routes from its hub in Tel Aviv. Three will operate as mainline El Al flights, and subsidiary Sundor will fly the other six.
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The carrier will launch service to Hanoi on Oct. 25, operating three weekly flights with a Boeing 787 aircraft.
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Service between Tel Aviv and Seoul will commence in March 2027, also using a 787, with three flights per week.
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El Al also plans to launch flights from Tel Aviv to Manila in the near future. No start date has been announced, but the carrier expects to operate three weekly flights using a 787.
In Asia, El Al already serves destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo.
For the upcoming summer, El Al will offer a number of European routes via Sundor. These include Copenhagen, Catania, Sardinia, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Basel. These routes will all operate between May 24 and Oct. 24 and will be operated with 737 aircraft.
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