EL AL Suspends All Flights Amid Escalating Conflict

Friends,

As tensions between Israel and Iran rise to a breaking point, we’re seeing a level of disruption in Israeli aviation that’s as serious as any in recent memory. For the first time in this conflict, even EL AL—the flag carrier known for maintaining service during the worst of times—has suspended operations.

Here’s the situation.

What’s changing:

• EL AL has temporarily suspended all flights and moved its fleet out of Israel, an extraordinary move that underscores just how real the threat environment has become.

• Flights that were en route to Tel Aviv the day the conflict broke out—including long-haul services—diverted mid-flight, often returning to their points of origin.

• Departing aircraft used whatever frames remained in-country, including widebodies on short-haul routes.

• Israel has now closed its airspace for takeoffs and landings, and EL AL has closed bookings through June 30 to prioritize rebooking existing passengers.

Who this impacts:

• Passengers with upcoming travel to or from Israel—particularly through Sunday, June 15—should not go to the airport. EL AL is offering refunds, though limited accommodation support is being provided.

• Travelers already abroad may need to secure hotel accommodations at their own expense, unless local regulations provide additional protections.

Bottom line:

EL AL continuing to operate through the October 7 attacks and beyond was in many ways significant. Their decision now to ground flights and reposition their entire fleet speaks volumes—not only about the severity of this moment, but about how quickly aviation conditions can change.

I am watching the situation closely.

Fly well.