El Al to Operate Emergency Shabbat Flights for Life-Saving Medical Cases from Larnaca and Athens

El Al Airlines announced Thursday evening that it will operate three emergency medical flights during the upcoming Shabbat, departing from Larnaca, Cyprus and Athens, Greece, to bring Israelis home in urgent life-saving medical situations (Pikuach Nefesh).

The flights, which break with the airline’s usual policy of not flying on Shabbat, were authorized by the Chief Rabbis of Israel due to the exceptional circumstances.

“In light of numerous life-saving situations and urgent medical requests requiring immediate arrival in Israel,” El Al stated, “the company has decided to operate special flights during the upcoming Shabbat. These will be defined as emergency medical life-saving flights.”

Rabbinical Approval and Humanitarian Priority

El Al emphasized that each case will be reviewed individually and must be approved by the company's rabbi to ensure it qualifies under the halachic principle of Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life, which overrides Sabbath prohibitions).

“The outline was approved by the Chief Rabbis of Israel, and in light of the special and exceptional situation, each case will be examined and approved accordingly,” El Al said.

All approved passengers will fly free of charge, and the airline noted that additional emergency flights may be added if needed.

Thousands Still Stranded Abroad

The move comes as thousands of Israelis remain stranded abroad, following escalating regional tensions and disrupted flight schedules. So far, many have managed to return to Israel through rescue flights, private yachts, or overland via Egypt and Jordan. Others have resorted to costly travel arrangements on their own, including cruise tickets costing up to €1,000, in addition to internal European flights, hotel stays, and food expenses.

El Al’s initiative aims to ease the burden on those in urgent need of returning home due to medical emergencies, amid widespread criticism over the lack of coordinated state response.

 At a Glance: El Al Emergency Shabbat Flights

• Departure cities: Larnaca and Athens

• Purpose: Life-saving medical emergencies (Pikuach Nefesh)

• Cost: Free of charge for approved passengers

• Religious approval: Authorized by Chief Rabbis of Israel

• Additional flights: May be added based on demand