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El Al Israel Airlines, established in 1948, is Israel's national flag carrier, headquartered at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv. As the country's largest and most prominent airline, El Al (meaning "to the skies" in Hebrew) serves over 50 destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Known for its stringent security measures, deep connection to Israeli culture, and commitment to passenger service, El Al is a key player in global aviation, symbolizing Israel’s resilience and innovation. The airline operates as a publicly traded company, listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, and is partially owned by the Israeli government and private investors.
El Al’s journey began in September 1948 with its inaugural flight, a Douglas DC-4 carrying Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann, from Geneva to Tel Aviv. Founded to connect the newly established State of Israel with the world, El Al quickly grew, introducing Boeing 707s in the 1960s to launch transatlantic services to New York. By the 1970s, the airline expanded its fleet with Boeing 747s, enabling long-haul flights to North America and Asia. A significant milestone came in 1980 when El Al became the first airline outside the U.S. to operate the Boeing 757.
The airline faced challenges, including financial struggles in the 1980s and 1990s due to high operational costs and competition. Privatization efforts began in 2003, reducing government ownership, and by 2005, El Al was fully privatized. During the COVID-19 pandemic, El Al suspended operations briefly in 2020 but resumed with government-backed loans, maintaining its role as Israel’s lifeline to the world. In 2023, El Al celebrated 75 years of service, unveiling a retro-liveried Boeing 787-9 to mark the milestone.
The airline faced significant challenges, including surviving hijacking attempts and terrorist attacks on its planes and facilities in cities like Brussels, Munich, and Athens. Its robust security protocols, including systematic luggage and passenger searches introduced in 1968, became industry standards. El Al’s commitment to security was underscored by equipping its fleet with anti-missile technology, a unique feature among commercial airlines.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted El Al, leading to a complete suspension of passenger flights from June 2020 to March 2021. The airline conducted repatriation flights, including its longest-ever round-trip to Melbourne, Australia, and secured a $150 million public offering in September 2020, with Eli Rozenberg acquiring a 43% controlling stake. El Al returned to profitability in Q4 2022, bolstered by a near-monopoly on flights to Israel after many foreign carriers suspended services amid regional conflicts.
In 2024, El Al reported record revenues of $1 billion in Q3, with a 260% profit increase to $187 million, driven by high demand and limited competition. The airline recently signed a $2–2.5 billion deal for up to 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to renew its short-haul fleet, with deliveries expected to start in 2028. Additionally, El Al is evaluating options for 30 new short-haul aircraft to further modernize its operations.
El Al operates an all-Boeing fleet, comprising 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, four Boeing 787-8s, Boeing 777-200ERs, and Boeing 737-800/900s, with plans to introduce Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The 787 Dreamliners, received between 2017 and 2023, feature three classes: Business First, Premium Economy, and Economy, with enhanced interiors for long-haul comfort. The airline’s long-haul routes, such as Tel Aviv to Los Angeles (15 hours), are among the longest nonstop flights globally. El Al operates nonstop flights to over 50 destinations, including major cities like New York, London, Paris, Bangkok, Johannesburg, and Miami, with cargo services to Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
Ben Gurion Airport serves as El Al’s primary hub, though its departures hall has faced criticism for congestion and rigorous security checks. The airline operates six King David Lounges at TLV and select international airports, offering premium passengers amenities like kosher dining and workspaces. El Al’s cargo division supports international trade, leveraging its global network.