EL AL
Israel's flag carrier, operating scheduled domestic and international services from its main base at Tel Aviv Yafo, with a strong focus on security and Jewish travel requirements.
About EL AL
Founded in 1948, EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd. is Israel's flag carrier and one of the country's best-known transport brands. The airline operates scheduled passenger services under the EL AL name and is privately controlled. Its identity is closely tied to Israel, including Hebrew branding, kosher catering and operating practices shaped by Jewish religious observance.
EL AL's primary hub is Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv Yafo. Its network comprises 82 routes serving 36 destinations across 27 countries, with particularly important links to Europe and North America alongside selected destinations in Asia. Notable cities in its network include New York, London, Madrid, Prague, Zurich, Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Barcelona and Beijing.
Aircraft types recorded in EL AL operations include Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 narrow-bodies, Boeing 777-200 and 777-200ER wide-bodies, and earlier Boeing 747, 757 and 767 variants. Airbus A320, A330-300 and A340-300 types also appear in the operational record. Cabin products vary by aircraft and route, with economy and premium cabins available on selected services.
EL AL is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, so passengers should not expect the network-wide reciprocal benefits associated with a major global alliance. Its own loyalty programme is Matmid Frequent Flyer Club, through which members can earn and redeem points and access benefits according to their membership tier and fare conditions.
A notable strength is EL AL's extensive nonstop connectivity between Israel and major overseas business and leisure markets, supported by security procedures for which the airline is particularly known. Travellers should nevertheless allow extra time for screening and check-in. EL AL generally does not operate from Friday evening to Saturday evening in observance of the Jewish Sabbath, which can limit weekend schedules and affect connecting options.
Good to know
Flying with EL AL — what to expect
Allow Screening Time
EL AL applies thorough security procedures, and passengers may face additional questioning or baggage checks. Arrive early and keep travel documents and itinerary details accessible.
Sabbath Scheduling
EL AL generally suspends flights during the Jewish Sabbath, from Friday evening until Saturday evening. Check schedules carefully when planning weekend departures or connections.
Kosher Catering
EL AL's regular onboard meals are kosher. Special dietary requests may still require advance ordering and remain subject to the service offered on the route.
Cabins Vary
Seat design, entertainment and premium-cabin features vary by aircraft and route. Review the aircraft and cabin details shown during booking, particularly for long-haul flights.
Check Fare Baggage
Cabin and checked-baggage entitlements depend on the fare, route and travel class. Confirm the allowance on your ticket before arriving at the airport rather than assuming every economy fare includes the same benefits.
No Global Alliance
EL AL does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Verify partner earning, lounge access and through-checking arrangements individually when combining EL AL with another airline.
Network overview
Where EL AL flies
EL AL operates 82 routes to 36 destinations across 27 countries, its longest sector reaching Los Angeles to Tel Aviv Yafo (12,167 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities EL AL flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Los Angeles → Tel Aviv Yafo
12,167 km · LAX → TLV
The longest sector in the EL AL network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by EL AL
Notable destinations on EL AL's network.
LYTel Aviv YafodirectLYNew YorkdirectLYKyivdirectLYLondondirectLYMadriddirectLYPraguedirectLYZurichdirectLYAmsterdamdirectLYAthensdirectLYBangkokdirectLYBarcelonadirectLYBeijingdirectDestination list is indicative of EL AL's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Israel
Other airlines based in Israel
FAQ
EL AL — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The busiest departure points in EL AL's network, ranked by number of routes, are Tel Aviv Yafo, New York, Kyiv, London and Madrid. Tel Aviv Yafo is the airline's principal hub.
- EL AL's cabin-baggage allowance varies by fare, cabin and route. Check the dimensions and weight printed in your booking because lower fares and premium cabins may have different entitlements.
- EL AL's primary hub is Ben Gurion Airport, serving Tel Aviv Yafo. New York, Kyiv, London and Madrid are also among its busiest departure points by route count.
- EL AL serves destinations across Europe, North America and Asia from Tel Aviv Yafo. Its network includes cities such as New York, London, Madrid, Prague, Zurich, Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Barcelona and Beijing.
- EL AL flies to 36 destinations across 27 countries, operating 82 routes.
- Fares are often lower outside major Israeli and international holiday periods and when booked before demand rises. Compare several departure dates and avoid relying on a single supposed cheapest weekday.
- EL AL's longest route is Los Angeles to Tel Aviv Yafo, covering about 12,167 km nonstop.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.