El Al CEO Dina Ben Tal-Gnansia Resigns After Record Tenure - to step down at end of 2025

Dina Ben Tal-Gnansia, CEO of El Al Israel Airlines, announced her resignation this week, informing the company’s board that she will step down by the end of the year. Her early announcement comes nearly six months ahead of her departure, allowing the airline ample time to find a successor and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“After about two decades full of action and pride at El Al, and about three and a half particularly intense years as CEO, I feel that it is time to open a new chapter,” Ben Tal-Gnansia said in an official statement.

“In complex and difficult times, [El Al employees] gave everything for the benefit of customers and for the benefit of the country. Together we revolutionized El Al, and I am sure that the company will continue to soar to new heights.”

A Career Spanning Two Decades at El Al

Ben Tal-Gnansia began her career at El Al 18 years ago, initially working as an external consultant with TASC, and later advancing through senior roles including Head of Revenue Management and VP of Commercial and Aviation Relations, before being appointed CEO in April 2022.

Her term as CEO is widely regarded as a financial success. Under her leadership, El Al posted record profits, boosted by increased demand and reduced foreign airline competition following the outbreak of the war on October 7.

Strategic Moves and Financial Upswing

Ben Tal-Gnansia implemented a series of streamlining and strategic moves, including:

• Growing El Al’s frequent flyer program

• Expanding the aircraft fleet

• Cutting the number of employees

These initiatives helped fuel a significant surge in El Al’s stock value. However, her departure comes months after she exercised stock options and sold shares worth 8 million shekels in March, a move that triggered a 4% dip in the company’s stock at the time.

Challenges and Criticism Alongside Growth

Despite strong financial results, El Al also faced public criticism during her tenure. Complaints were raised over high ticket prices, prompting the company to introduce a fixed-rate pricing strategy for four transit destinations.

Additional scrutiny came after the brief war with Iran, during which returning passengers reported chaos at El Al call centers and difficulties in rebooking flights despite holding valid tickets.

Legacy and Next Steps

Ben Tal-Gnansia is expected to leave office with shareholder confidence intact, having guided the company through one of the most turbulent periods in Israel’s aviation history.

The El Al Board of Directors has not yet announced a replacement, but the months ahead will focus on securing new leadership capable of continuing the airline's recent growth—and navigating ongoing operational challenges in a volatile region.