El Al plans record flights to the UK to meet soaring demand
- El Al plans to operate 20 weekly flights to the UK next winter, the highest ever for this route.
- The expansion includes 15 weekly flights to Heathrow and five to Luton Airport, starting late October.
- This decision aims to address the increased demand following oversold flights during the summer season.
In winter 2025, El Al, the Israeli flag carrier, is set to increase its flight schedule to the United Kingdom, operating a record 20 weekly flights. This expansion includes 15 weekly flights to London’s Heathrow Airport and five to Luton Airport, starting in late October. The decision comes amid overwhelming demand seen during the summer season, where flights were significantly oversold and prices increased sharply. The recent uptrend in passenger numbers indicates a revitalization of the travel market. In a notable event, over 80,000 passengers utilized Ben-Gurion International Airport in a single day, reflecting positive signs for the industry after recent turmoil caused by regional conflict. El Al has benefited from the suspension of services by other international airlines, enhancing its market position. British Airways and EasyJet have halted their flights to Tel Aviv until late October 2025, while Virgin Atlantic has completely ceased its operations in Israel. As part of a strategic maneuver, Virgin Atlantic has agreed to lease its Heathrow slots to El Al for a forthcoming period in 2026, facilitating the added flights.