Switzerland Joins Philippines, Vietnam, Croatia, South Korea, and More as El Al Sets the Stage for Nine New Routes, Connecting Israel to Key International Markets

Published on
February 9, 2026

Switzerland joins a growing list of exciting new destinations as El Al, Israel’s flagship airline, announces the launch of nine new routes to key international markets. These additions include direct flights to popular cities like the Philippines, Vietnam, Croatia, and South Korea, marking a bold expansion of El Al’s global network. With this strategic move, the airline is not only enhancing connectivity between Israel and these vibrant regions but also strengthening its role as a key player in international travel. El Al’s new routes aim to cater to both leisure and business travelers, facilitating easier connections to some of the world’s most dynamic economic and tourism hubs. By introducing these destinations, El Al is setting the stage for stronger ties between Israel and some of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, offering travelers a wider range of options for global exploration.

El Al, Israel’s flagship airline, is set to expand its global footprint with the launch of nine new destinations, including direct flights to Hanoi (Vietnam), Seoul (South Korea), and Manila (the Philippines). The expansion comes as part of the airline’s broader growth strategy, which aims to strengthen Israel’s connectivity with key regions around the world. Additionally, its subsidiary is set to introduce new leisure routes to various European cities, including Catania in Sicily, Cagliari in Sardinia, Basel in Switzerland, Zagreb and Dubrovnik in Croatia, and Copenhagen, marking El Al’s return to the Danish capital for the first time since 2001.

The new routes will be gradually rolled out over the course of 2026 and 2027. This expansion follows El Al’s focus on strengthening its core destinations across Asia, North America, and Europe in recent years. After successfully establishing itself as a primary carrier for Israel’s international flights, El Al is now looking to enter new markets and serve diverse travel needs for both business and leisure travelers. The airline’s new strategy underscores its commitment to providing more options for global travel, particularly to and from Israel, while fostering tourism, business ties, and economic growth between Israel and key countries.

The new flights to Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila will each operate three times a week, catering to both the leisure and business travel demands in these growing markets. These direct routes are expected to bolster tourism between Israel and Asia, while also providing efficient solutions for business travelers who need to establish stronger connections in the region. The airline has expressed that the new routes will not only meet rising tourism demand but also provide a vital link for business operations between Israel and key Asian cities, strengthening bilateral economic ties.

The flights will be operated using El Al’s state-of-the-art Dreamliner aircraft, which feature three classes of service: economy, premium, and business. This aircraft is known for its enhanced comfort, quieter cabins, and fuel efficiency, ensuring a more enjoyable and environmentally friendly travel experience. El Al is already accepting ticket sales for flights to Hanoi, which are set to begin in October 2026. Round-trip fares for this route start at $899. For the flights to Seoul, sales will begin in May 2026, with services starting in March 2027. Details regarding ticket sales for Manila will be announced in due course.

Along with the new long-haul destinations, El Al’s subsidiary is also expanding its European leisure routes. The airline will offer direct flights to Catania and Cagliari, two picturesque destinations in Italy. These routes will offer an easy connection for tourists heading to Sicily and Sardinia, regions known for their stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. The airline is also introducing flights to Basel in Switzerland, as well as to Zagreb and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Notably, El Al’s subsidiary will return to Copenhagen, marking the airline’s re-entry into the Danish market since 2001.

For travelers heading to Italy, Switzerland, and Croatia, round-trip fares are set to start at $339 for Sardinia and Croatia, $389 for Sicily, $439 for Basel, and $529 for Copenhagen. These affordable fares make it easy for passengers to explore these popular European destinations, while also increasing El Al’s presence in the competitive European market. Ticket sales for these routes will open soon on the airline’s website and through travel agents.

El Al’s expansion plan also includes a focus on bolstering its existing operations. The airline is significantly increasing its presence in North America, where it is operating its largest-ever flight schedule with up to 55 weekly flights. This is in response to growing demand for travel between Israel and the United States, particularly in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. El Al is also enhancing its services to the Far East, with increased frequencies to Japan, offering up to five weekly flights, and Thailand, with up to 16 weekly flights. These efforts align with the airline’s strategy to better serve travelers heading to and from these key international destinations.

The airline’s expansion isn’t limited to new routes and increased frequencies. El Al is also working on forming strategic partnerships with leading international airlines. These collaborations will help provide more flexible and convenient connections for travelers, allowing for easier onward connections and broadening El Al’s route network. These partnerships will also enhance the airline’s ability to offer a wider range of destinations and seamless travel experiences for its passengers, further solidifying El Al’s global presence.

In addition to El Al’s expansion, other airlines are also increasing their operations from Israel. A notable development is the expansion of Wizz Air’s network in Italy. The Hungarian low-cost carrier announced that it will begin operating direct flights to Palermo, the capital of western Sicily, starting on July 27, 2026. This new route will operate three times a week and offers passengers an affordable way to explore this beautiful part of Italy. With the launch of Palermo, Wizz Air continues to grow its operations in Italy, complementing its existing routes to Catania.

El Al is expanding its global network with nine new routes, including Switzerland, the Philippines, Vietnam, Croatia, and South Korea, strengthening Israel’s connections to key international markets and boosting both tourism and business opportunities. This strategic move aims to enhance global accessibility and foster economic ties between Israel and these rapidly growing regions.

Overall, El Al’s new routes and partnerships signify a major step in the airline’s ongoing growth strategy. By expanding its network to Asia, Europe, and beyond, the airline is not only enhancing Israel’s global connectivity but also responding to growing demand for both business and leisure travel. The introduction of these new destinations, alongside increased frequencies on key routes, positions El Al to continue its leadership in the Israeli aviation market and bolster its global presence for years to come.