Kan Moreshet journalist Dov Eichler stirred controversy online with criticisms directed at El Al’s fare hikes in the wake of flight cancellations by international carriers due to security concerns.
Expressing his discontent, Eichler wrote, “I have no qualms with El Al, who now demand exorbitant prices for every flight following the flurry of cancellations.” He redirected blame towards Israel for failing to promptly cease all subsidies to El Al and for compensating the airline for longstanding perks funded by Israeli taxpayers.
In a rebuttal, journalist Kobi Bornstein countered, “Yet, we must acknowledge El Al’s efforts in transporting reserve soldiers from across the globe at the conflict’s onset. However, the burden now falls on us all. Do you desire international travel amidst widespread flight cancellations? Isn’t it commendable that our national carrier refrains from exploiting the situation, offering travel at a mere trillion dollars per ticket?”
Criticism continued as journalist Merav Sever shared her experience, lamenting, “I shelled out $1,000 for a flight to Paris,” while Simcha Tauman quipped, “It’s not just pricey, it’s ‘only’ a thousand dollars. It’s as though they’re coercing us into a lifetime commitment with El Al, demanding payment for all 30 flights upfront when we only take one.”
El Al responded, stating, “With Ben Gurion International Airport resuming regular operations, we’ve adjusted our flight schedule accordingly. Passengers are urged to confirm updated departure times before heading to the airport. Flight schedule alterations are detailed on our website.” The airline revealed 34 canceled flights by El Al and subsidiary Sun Dor thus far.
Addressing the issue of fare affordability, El Al announced fixed one-way ticket prices to Israel to assist travelers affected by foreign carriers’ cancellations. Examples included fares from Athens at $217, Paris at $361, London at $314 (Luton), $412 (Heathrow), Amsterdam at $347, New York at $795, and Miami at $849. Sun Dor flights offered fares from Larnaca at $150, Kyiv/Krakow at $250, and Warsaw at $265. These prices remained valid until April 20.
El Al further announced a flexible change and cancellation policy for passengers with flights scheduled until April 20, allowing modifications without additional fees or price differences if rescheduled before the specified date. Flight cancellations would entitle passengers to receive a voucher redeemable for future El Al flights at full value.
{Matzav.com Israel}
This call has only been initiated because El AL is being a successful enterprise orchestrated, owned and operated by a Chareidi. When it was a failing airline, they didn’t care. I frequent El AL and I find them to be an awesome organization. Hopefully Kenny and Eli fight them off hard!