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)