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El Al Expands Routes to Asia & Europe, Signaling Recovery

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ds-routes-to-asia-europe-signaling-recovery.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 9:06 GMT by AeroTime
      Locales: ISRAEL, GEORGIA, GREECE, ITALY, KAZAKHSTAN, AZERBAIJAN

Tel Aviv, Israel - February 11th, 2026 - El Al Israel Airlines is demonstrating renewed optimism and a commitment to future growth with the launch of several key routes connecting Israel with burgeoning markets in Asia and Europe. These additions represent the airline's first significant network expansion since October 2023, a period marked by considerable disruption to global travel and a substantial downturn for the Israeli aviation sector.

Today, El Al announced a phased rollout of flights to Osaka, Japan; Thessaloniki, Greece; and Bologna, Italy. While originally planned for Spring 2024, the continuation of these routes into 2026 suggests a sustained, albeit careful, recovery strategy. Flights to Osaka, a crucial business and tourism hub in Japan, now operate three times weekly, facilitating stronger economic ties and providing Israeli travelers with a vital connection to the East Asian market. The twice-weekly service to Thessaloniki, a historical and cultural gem in Greece, caters to both leisure tourists and the growing Greek-Israeli diaspora. Similarly, Bologna, Italy, with its rich culinary traditions and industrial importance, is served twice-weekly, attracting business travelers and those seeking authentic Italian experiences.

"We are incredibly proud to continue building on the foundation laid in 2024 and expand El Al's reach," stated Gonen Uziel, CEO of El Al, in a press conference earlier today. "These routes aren't just about adding destinations; they're about demonstrating our resilience and long-term vision. The initial response to these routes has been exceptionally positive, indicating a strong desire for travel to and from Israel, even amidst ongoing global complexities."

The initial launch of these routes, and their sustained operation two years later, followed a period of significant adversity for El Al. The conflict in Gaza led to a dramatic drop in passenger numbers as concerns over safety and security impacted both inbound tourism and outbound travel by Israelis. The airline, already facing financial pressures prior to the conflict, was forced to implement cost-cutting measures and restructure operations. However, these new routes signify a turning point - a deliberate move to capitalize on a gradually recovering travel landscape.

Beyond the Headlines: A Strategic Response to Shifting Travel Patterns

The selection of Osaka, Thessaloniki, and Bologna isn't arbitrary. Industry analysts point to a broader trend of travelers seeking alternative destinations - those perceived as safe and offering unique experiences. Japan, while maintaining a cautious approach to international tourism, has remained a relatively stable and appealing destination. Thessaloniki's growing popularity as a cultural and historical destination, coupled with increased Greek-Israeli relations, made it a logical addition to El Al's network. Bologna, a key industrial and academic center, offers a robust market for business travel.

Furthermore, the airline is actively diversifying its portfolio, reducing its reliance on traditionally strong markets impacted by geopolitical instability. The focus on Europe allows El Al to leverage existing connections and cater to a broader range of travelers. The long-haul Osaka route, however, is a bolder move, signaling confidence in the airline's ability to compete in the Asian market and attract passengers willing to pay a premium for direct flights.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the new routes are a positive development, El Al still faces considerable challenges. The global economic climate remains uncertain, and fluctuations in fuel prices continue to impact airline profitability. The ongoing security situation in the region requires constant vigilance and adaptation.

However, the airline is actively pursuing several strategies to mitigate these risks. These include forging strategic partnerships with other airlines to expand its network reach, investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, and enhancing its customer service offerings. El Al is also leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve the passenger experience.

The airline recently announced a significant investment in AI-powered personalization tools, aiming to provide tailored travel recommendations and seamless booking experiences. They are also exploring the integration of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to reduce their carbon footprint and appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.

According to recent reports, El Al is now projecting a return to profitability by late 2026, driven by increased passenger traffic, higher load factors on its new routes, and continued cost optimization. The airline is confident that its commitment to innovation, customer service, and strategic network expansion will position it for long-term success in a competitive and evolving global aviation market.