El Al Israel Airlines has announced plans to terminate its South Africa route, effectively ceasing flights to Johannesburg within the coming weeks.
The decision comes as the airline prepares to conclude all Johannesburg flights by the end of March 2024, with its last scheduled departure from Tel Aviv to Johannesburg set for 27 March.
The move marks the end of a nearly 50-year-long service that has been a vital link between South Africa and Israel .
El Al has been the sole carrier operating direct flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport and Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, serving as a crucial connection for South African and Israeli communities.
The decision to discontinue the route stems from a notable decline in demand from Israeli travelers, prompting El Al to reallocate resources to other destinations and explore opportunities for new routes. Despite this shift, El Al has maintained its reliability, serving as a lifeline for passengers seeking travel to and from Israel amidst recent global challenges.
In light of ongoing hostilities affecting travel to Israel since October last year, many airlines suspended services to the country, further emphasizing El Al’s role in providing continued connectivity. The airline has assured affected passengers of assistance, promising to offer alternatives for those impacted by the route discontinuation.
El Al’s decision to cease flights to Johannesburg underscores broader shifts in global travel patterns and highlights the airline’s adaptability amid evolving market dynamics.