El Al Airlines to Suspend Flights to South Africa Amidst Decreased Demand and Security Concerns

 El Al Airlines disclosed its decision to suspend flights to South Africa, effective at the end of March. The airline currently operates two flights weekly on the Tel Aviv-Johannesburg route, which is its sole connection to the country. The move is attributed to a notable decline in demand from Israeli passengers, impacting various global destinations, including Johannesburg, due to perceived security concerns.

El Al assured affected passengers that they would receive timely notifications about the flight cancellations, along with several alternative options for their travel plans. The airline explained that the pause in the Johannesburg route would enable an expansion of operations to existing destinations while exploring opportunities for new routes.

Notably, the decision to halt flights to South Africa coincides with the ongoing legal proceedings initiated by South Africa at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The lawsuit alleges that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. At 14:00 today, the court is expected to announce its decision on whether to issue an interim order to halt the ongoing conflict.

El Al clarified that while the timing of the flight suspension aligns with the legal proceedings, the primary factor behind the decision is the recent decrease in demand for flights to South Africa due to the prevailing security situation, rather than a direct response to the lawsuit.

This development marks a significant adjustment in El Al's operations and underscores the complex interplay between geopolitical issues and the aviation industry.