El Al Resumes Ben-Gurion to Eilat Flights After 12-Year Hiatus

After a 12-year break, El Al Airlines is returning to Israel’s southern skies with the relaunch of its domestic route from Ben-Gurion Airport to Ramon Airport near Eilat. Starting next month, El Al will operate two weekly flights between the central hub and the Red Sea resort city, the Airports Authority announced Thursday.

The move follows close coordination with the Transportation Ministry, Airports Authority, and Civil Aviation Authority, with all regulatory approvals finalized for the route’s revival.

In total, travelers will now enjoy 13 to 15 daily flights connecting Ben-Gurion to Eilat, alongside additional service from Haifa operated by the new domestic carrier Air Haifa.

Transportation and Road Safety Minister Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev celebrated the announcement as “significant news for the residents of Eilat and for strengthening the connection between the center and the periphery.” She added, “El Al’s return to the Ben-Gurion–Ramon route will significantly increase the volume of domestic flights to Eilat and enhance competition in the sector, benefiting both Eilat residents and the general public.”

Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, is a strategic economic and tourism asset, often called the “gateway to the Red Sea.” The revival of regular El Al flights signals renewed government and industry focus on connecting Israel’s center to its vibrant southern periphery.

Minister Regev also pledged ongoing efforts to attract international airlines back to Ramon Airport, further boosting Eilat’s standing as a domestic and global destination.

Share this update and subscribe to our newsletter for more on Israel’s growing domestic travel network and regional development.