{"id":161960,"date":"2026-10-24T13:15:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T07:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=161960"},"modified":"2026-10-24T13:15:47","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T07:45:47","slug":"el-al-israel-airlines-delays-launch-of-new-flight-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/24\/el-al-israel-airlines-delays-launch-of-new-flight-route\/","title":{"rendered":"EL AL Israel Airlines Delays Launch of This New Flight Route"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TEL AVIV-<\/strong> El Al Israel (LY)<\/a> has postponed the planned launch of its Sun d\u2019Or service from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Marrakech (RAK) until at least December 15, following new security directives and pending operating approvals from Israeli authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, United Airlines (UA)<\/a> is expanding its Tel Aviv network with four weekly flights to Chicago O\u2019Hare (ORD) from October 26 and three weekly flights to Washington Dulles (IAD) from October 28. The changes come as security concerns affect Israeli airlines\u2019 plans for Morocco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"EL
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

El Al Suspends Marrakech Launch Amid Security Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

El Al announced on Thursday, October 22, that it had cancelled the planned November 16 launch of the Marrakech route operated by its Sun d\u2019Or subsidiary. The airline has postponed the service until at least December 15 while it works with Israeli security authorities to secure the necessary approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline said it remained in contact with security officials and relevant authorities to obtain permission to operate the route. It has not confirmed a new launch date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refunds and Rebooking Options for Passengers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

El Al is offering affected passengers three options following the cancellation. Customers can receive a full monetary refund, obtain a credit voucher for future travel, or change their booking to another European destination served by El Al or Sun d\u2019Or.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passengers choosing an alternative destination can rebook without paying an additional fee or fare difference. The replacement flight must fall within three days before or after the original departure date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The options aim to give passengers flexibility while the airline waits for approval to operate flights to Morocco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: By ronen fefer – https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/186012304@N06\/51342633816\/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=112786021<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Arkia and Israir Also Halt Marrakech Plans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

El Al\u2019s decision follows similar moves by Arkia (IZ) and Israir (6H), which have also suspended ticket sales or expansion plans for the Tel Aviv to Marrakech route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arkia suspended ticket sales on October 21 following a request from Israeli security authorities. The airline resumed operating the Marrakech route in August 2026 and had been running two weekly nonstop flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arkia is reviewing the route\u2019s future and discussing the implications of the security directives with the relevant authorities. If Israel decides to stop its airlines from operating flights to Morocco, Arkia has indicated that it could explore alternatives, including arrangements with commercial partners or the use of leased aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israir had announced plans to expand its Moroccan operations, including additional Marrakech services. However, the airline put those plans on hold following an incident involving a flydubai (FZ) flight and the introduction of new security directives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The restrictions concern security requirements for flights operated by Israeli airlines using leased foreign aircraft and crews. The three carriers\u2019 decisions reflect the uncertainty surrounding the approval process rather than confirmation of a permanent ban on flights to Morocco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"EL
Photo: By <a rel=”nofollow” class=”external text” href=”https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/45549579@N05″>Tom\u00e1s Del Coro<\/a> from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Israeli Airlines Continue to Face Dubai Restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The security impasse has also affected Israeli airlines\u2019 ability to operate flights to Dubai. The parties have yet to reach an arrangement that satisfies Israel\u2019s security services and allows Israeli carriers to resume the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The unresolved situation adds further uncertainty for airlines seeking to expand their Middle Eastern and North African networks. The final outcome will depend on security requirements and the operating arrangements approved by the relevant authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines Adds Chicago and Washington Flights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While Israeli carriers face uncertainty over Morocco, United Airlines is increasing its US connectivity from Tel Aviv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline will launch four weekly flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and Chicago O\u2019Hare (ORD) on October 26. It will follow this with three weekly flights to Washington Dulles (IAD) from October 28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new routes will complement United\u2019s existing Tel Aviv to New York service, which resumed on September 9. The airline currently operates two daily flights on that route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United had suspended the service during Operation Roaring Lion against Iran in February and March 2026 before restarting operations in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

San Francisco Flights Planned for March 2027<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

United also plans to restore its Tel Aviv to San Francisco (SFO)<\/a> service on March 30, 2027. The planned return would give the airline another US destination from Israel, alongside its New York, Chicago and Washington services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These expansion plans come amid heightened regional security tensions. Reports cited by Globes have also suggested that Israel and the United States developed a plan for a possible attack on Iran, although the report did not provide details to independently establish that claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline\u2019s planned network expansion therefore takes place against a changing security backdrop, even as it increases its presence in the Israeli market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More Airlines Increase Competition on Tel Aviv to New York<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

United is not the only US carrier to have returned to Israel. Delta Air Lines (DL)<\/a> resumed its Israeli operations in September, while Israir has also begun flying the Tel Aviv to New York route for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Globes, the number of airlines serving the Tel Aviv to New York market has increased from two to five. The additional competition has contributed to a reduction in fares, giving passengers more choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data reported by lastminute.co.il put the average November ticket price across the five airlines at $1,223.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airline<\/th>Average November ticket price<\/th><\/tr>
Israir (6H)<\/td>$1,135<\/td><\/tr>
United Airlines (UA)<\/td>$1,190<\/td><\/tr>
Arkia (IZ)<\/td>$1,230<\/td><\/tr>
Delta Air Lines (DL)<\/td>$1,265<\/td><\/tr>
El Al (LY)<\/td>$1,295<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Israir recorded the lowest average price at $1,135, followed by United Airlines at $1,190. El Al had the highest average among the five carriers at $1,295.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report also indicated that fares could fall below $1,000 at the beginning of 2027. That outlook remains dependent on factors including fuel prices, which can affect airline operating costs and ticket pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The developments highlight two contrasting trends in Israeli aviation. Security directives have delayed El Al, Arkia, and Israir\u2019s Marrakech plans, while United\u2019s expanded US network and greater competition on the New York route are creating more travel options for passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Israel Bans United Airlines Pilot Over Alleged Iran Support<\/a><\/blockquote>