El Al announced Tuesday that it will resume flights to Eilat this winter for the first time in more than a decade. One-way fares will start at 139 shekels ($37).
The airline said the decision followed a request from the Transportation Ministry and months of joint planning aimed at increasing flight frequency between Eilat and central Israel.
“This step is an important move to improve accessibility for residents of Israel’s southernmost city and to strengthen domestic transportation links,” the company said.
The route will initially operate only during the upcoming winter season, with two daily Tel Aviv–Eilat flights — one in the morning and one in the evening — landing at Ramon Airport. Service will begin October 21, using El Al Boeing 737 aircraft. Tickets will start at 139 shekels for the LITE fare, which includes a carry-on and backpack. Residents of Eilat and the Eilot region will be eligible for a subsidized fare of 99 shekels. Tickets are already available on El Al’s website and through travel agents.
For comparison, tickets on the same dates (October 21–26) cost from 478 shekels on Arkia, 448 shekels on Israir, and 648 shekels on Air Haifa.
Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri welcomed the move. “I congratulate El Al on its decision to resume flights to Eilat after more than a decade. This is a vital step for maintaining the city’s main transportation lifeline," he said. "El Al’s return fits into our broader plan with government ministries to establish regular flights with higher frequency and subsidized fares. I thank the transportation minister and El Al management for their partnership in strengthening connectivity and their commitment to Eilat’s resilience.”
The Airports Authority first announced El Al’s return to the route in March, originally scheduled for May. The relaunch was postponed and will now begin in October.