Airline trust profile
El Al Israel Airlines LY
Independent · Hub: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion
At a glance
Key facts about this carrier
El Al is Israel's flag carrier, operating from Tel Aviv (TLV) with flights to Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.
- Flag carrier of Israel with all operations based at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV).
- Independent carrier, not a member of any global airline alliance.
- Known for strict security protocols and does not operate on Shabbat or Jewish holidays.
- Fleet includes 787 Dreamliners for long-haul and 737s for regional routes.
Why this tier
Israel's flag carrier operates 89 aircraft (average age 24 years) with 44% market share at Ben Gurion Airport, earning a Five-Star APEX rating for flight experience in 2025. On-time performance was 71.6% in 2025, and the airline is refurbishing all six Boeing 777-200ERs by Q1 2027 with a $30 million investment while growing its 787 Dreamliner fleet to 18-19 aircraft in 2026.
Strengths
- Five-Star APEX Rating for flight experience in 2025 with 44% share of Ben Gurion traffic
- 787 Dreamliner fleet growing to 18-19 aircraft in 2026 for long-haul modernization
- Industry-leading security protocols and operational resilience in a complex geopolitical environment
Watch-outs
- 71.6% on-time performance in 2025 - below industry average
- No alliance membership limits partner connectivity for complex multi-carrier itineraries
- No Saturday flights due to Shabbat observance, reducing schedule flexibility
Best used for
- Middle East hub
- Premium long-haul
Consultant intelligence
Operational notes
Hub and Connections
Hub is Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV). Independent carrier (no alliance). Minimum connection time is 90 minutes. Routes focus on Europe, North America, and select Asia destinations. No flights on Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and Jewish holidays. This creates scheduling gaps that affect connections. Limited connecting hub role due to geographic and political constraints.
Baggage
Piece-based system. Lite fares carry-on only. Limited interline baggage agreements. Some codeshare with American Airlines and JetBlue. Bags check through on El Al connections. Extra baggage charges are relatively high. Security screening of checked bags can take longer than other carriers.
Terminal Notes
TLV Terminal 3 is the international terminal. Modern facility. El Al King David Lounge is available for Business class and top-tier frequent flyers. Security at TLV is the most rigorous in the world. Arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. Security interview process is thorough and can add significant time. Departures from non-TLV airports also require early arrival for El Al's own security procedures.
Operational Issues
No Shabbat operations create scheduling constraints. Security requirements mean longer ground times at all stations. Geopolitical situation can cause route suspensions or diversions on short notice. Fleet includes 787-9 Dreamliner and 737-900ER. El Al cannot overfly several neighboring countries, resulting in longer routing on some flights (particularly eastbound). On-time performance can be impacted by security procedures. Premium service quality on long-haul routes is solid.
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