A step forward in boosting competition: El Al will resume flights to Eilat on May 1, returning to the route after a 12-year break. The airline will operate two daily flights between Ben Gurion Airport and Ramon Airport. El Al’s return to the Tel Aviv–Ramon route is expected to significantly expand flight volume to Eilat and intensify competition in the domestic aviation market.
“Strengthening the connection between the center and the periphery”
The decision to reinstate flights was approved following discussions between the Ministry of Transport, the Airports Authority, and the Civil Aviation Authority, in coordination with professional stakeholders.
With El Al’s return, the total number of daily flights between Ben Gurion and Ramon airports will rise to 13–15, in addition to 2–3 daily flights from Haifa.
“This is meaningful news for Eilat residents and for strengthening the connection between the center of the country and its periphery,” said Transportation Minister Miri Regev. “We will continue to strengthen and promote tourism to Eilat, and we’re also working to bring back international airlines to Ramon Airport,” she added.
Tel Aviv–Moscow route also returning
It was also announced today (Thursday) that El Al will resume flights between Tel Aviv and Moscow beginning May 1. The airline plans to operate seven weekly flights to Moscow, aiming to maintain continuous and secure service for travelers.
El Al emphasized that the decision followed an up-to-date security assessment and ongoing consultations with the relevant authorities.
Terminal 1 back in operation
About a week ago, Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport resumed operations with the return of domestic flights—led by the Eilat route. International flights also resumed a few days later, following temporary closure for maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
According to Airports Authority projections, Terminal 1 will handle around 1,400 international flights during April alone—about a quarter of all outbound flights from Israel.
