EL AL CEO Addresses Rising Ticket Prices During War
El Al Israel Airlines CEO Highlights Commitment to High-Tech Sector and Addresses Aviation Challenges
Miami, FL – At the recent Calcalist and Bank Leumi conference in Miami, El Al Israel Airlines (LY) CEO Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia highlighted the airline’s unwavering commitment to supporting Israel’s high-tech sector. With a focus on addressing the pressing challenges faced by this vital industry, Ganancia emphasized that the airline is actively engaging with technology companies to create tailored solutions, even amidst a significant shortage of seats across all routes.
"We are fully aware of the challenges facing the high-tech industry and are dedicated to providing assistance," Ganancia stated. "Despite the current severe shortage of seats, we are working closely with company representatives to ensure that there are adequate solutions in place. A specialized business team is now focused on securing seat availability for select routes."
El Al CEO Addresses Public Concerns
Ganancia also responded to widespread public criticism regarding El Al amid ongoing disruptions within Israel’s aviation sector.
"Since the onset of the war, many foreign airlines have abruptly ceased operations to Israel and have yet to return—a situation unprecedented in our nation’s history," she explained. "Under these circumstances, no airline, regardless of its capabilities, can fully meet the overwhelming demand while dealing with a critical seat shortage that has also driven up prices."
Acknowledging the public’s frustration, Ganancia defended El Al’s ongoing efforts to maximize available seats, particularly on high-demand routes to North America and Asia. "We understand the public’s dissatisfaction, but we are doing everything possible to adapt. We have also introduced fixed-price flights to key international destinations such as Cyprus, Greece, Vienna, and Dubai to provide passengers with cost-effective alternatives," she noted.
Ganancia further contextualized the challenges faced by the global aviation industry since the COVID-19 pandemic. "High prices are not exclusive to Israel; they reflect a worldwide trend in aviation. Although the situation is tough, we remain committed to serving our passengers to the best of our abilities," she concluded.
Why Are Foreign Airlines Not Resuming Flights to Israel?
In her remarks, Ganancia explained the reasons behind the hesitance of foreign airlines to resume flights to Israel, citing concerns from airline workers and unions. "Many airline employees are unwilling to stay overnight in Israel, perceiving it as a war zone. Furthermore, insurance companies are often reluctant to cover flights to Israel, creating a significant barrier," she stated. "Addressing this issue will require political and strategic action. The state must implement measures to reassure foreign airlines, and El Al is ready to assist in any way possible."
Ganancia also detailed El Al’s involvement in complex rescue missions, including the recent evacuation of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Amsterdam amid violent events. "These operations, including flights on Shabbat—when we typically do not operate—require exceptional precision. We manage them through a dedicated war room, and adjusting our flight schedules afterward can take up to 12 days. Despite these challenges, our team is trained to navigate such dynamic situations."
In an emotional moment, Ganancia shared a touching encounter with an abductee recently freed from captivity in Gaza, who met with El Al employees and recounted her experience. She expressed hope for the safe return of all abductees, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to supporting those in need.
For more insights on the challenges facing airlines today, consider reading about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global aviation here. Share your thoughts on El Al’s initiatives in the comments below or explore related articles for deeper insights.
