Israel’s national airline El Al notched another record-breaking quarter, reporting a $203 million profit between July and September — an 8% increase from the same period last year — as strong travel demand and high ticket prices continued to buoy the flag carrier’s wartime dominance.

The third-quarter results, released Tuesday, underscore El Al’s remarkable resilience during a turbulent year marked by conflict, global security jitters, and volatile fuel prices. Revenue climbed to $1.07 billion, up from $1 billion in 2024, with planes flying at a 95.3% average load factor, among the highest in the airline’s history.

The quarter followed the June conflict with Iran, which grounded most international carriers during the summer’s peak season. With foreign airlines avoiding Israeli airspace, El Al operated almost continuously throughout the war — effectively becoming the nation’s only commercial lifeline to the world.

That dominance proved profitable. El Al’s net income surged nearly fivefold in 2024, hitting a record $545 million, as it filled the gap left by competitors and charged premium fares. Even as global carriers resume flights following last month’s ceasefire with Hamas, El Al still controlled about 75% of transatlantic routes in the most recent quarter, particularly on high-margin flights to North America.

However, the airline’s success has come with scrutiny. El Al faces a $600 million lawsuit alleging price gouging during the war, which it denies.

Now, with over 60 foreign airlines back at Ben Gurion Airport — up from near-zero during the height of the fighting — fares are falling and competition is heating up. Still, El Al’s strong balance sheet and entrenched market position suggest it will remain Israel’s dominant carrier for the foreseeable future.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)