Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Croatia Joins Denmark, Switzerland, South Korea, Vietnam, Philippines And More As EL AL Takes A Bold Step Forward, Expanding Its Network With Nine New International Destinations And Strengthening Global Ties
Published on
February 10, 2026
Croatia joins Denmark, Switzerland, South Korea, Vietnam, Philippines and more as EL AL embarks on its largest global expansion to date, unveiling nine new destinations across key markets. This unprecedented growth comes as part of the airline’s strategic plan to strengthen its international network, connecting Israel to vital business and leisure travel hubs worldwide. With new long-haul services to Asia and expanded European routes, EL AL is poised to enhance global connectivity and meet the increasing demand for international travel.
EL AL has launched its largest route expansion to date, unveiling nine new destinations across the globe. This bold move includes new long-haul services to Asia and expanded European routes through its subsidiary, Sundor. The announcement marks the airline’s most significant growth phase since the outbreak of the war, following nearly three years focused on strengthening its network with increased frequencies to key destinations in Europe, North America, and the East.
Among the most significant additions are direct long-haul flights to Hanoi in Vietnam, Seoul in South Korea, and Manila in the Philippines. Each of these routes will operate three times a week, with the aim of serving both business and leisure travelers. The expansion will also serve to strengthen economic ties between Israel and the Asian market, reflecting the growing demand for connections between these regions. EL AL’s Dreamliner aircraft will operate these new long-haul flights, offering passengers a choice of three service classes: economy, premium economy, and business. These services aim to provide a comfortable and modern experience while facilitating smoother travel between Israel and major Asian hubs.
In addition to the new direct long-haul services, EL AL is setting up partnerships with various international carriers. This will provide onward connections to additional destinations across Asia, further expanding its global network and increasing accessibility for travelers. With the addition of these routes, EL AL is poised to offer nearly 60 direct destinations—its largest network in the airline’s history. This milestone represents a major leap in the airline’s ability to connect Israel to markets around the world.
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The expansion is also being supported by a significant increase in flight frequencies. In North America, EL AL is now operating up to 55 weekly flights. This growth comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the airline’s presence in high-demand regions. Similarly, EL AL is increasing its services to the Far East, with flights to Japan increasing to up to five times weekly and flights to Thailand expanding to 16 weekly services. These additions reflect EL AL’s growing role as a key player in global travel, with the airline set to operate around 900 flights per week across its entire network.
Alongside these ambitious long-haul expansions, EL AL continues to focus on improving passenger experience and ensuring better connectivity. The airline is committed to building its partnerships with other leading global carriers, further enhancing options for passengers and opening new routes for international travelers. EL AL’s strategic planning reflects a long-term vision that seeks to make Israel’s flag carrier a leading player on the international stage, fostering stronger global relationships and improving travel accessibility for passengers.
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Ticket sales for the Hanoi route will begin today at noon via the EL AL website and through travel agents, with flights scheduled to start in October 2026. Round-trip fares will begin at $899. Sales for the Seoul route are expected to begin in May, with flights set to commence in March 2027. The details for the Manila service will be announced at a later stage. These offerings will not only serve tourism and business travel needs but also cater to a wider demographic, offering greater options for international travelers.
In addition to the long-haul routes, Sundor, a subsidiary of EL AL, is also expanding its network by adding six new leisure destinations across Europe. These include Catania and Cagliari in Italy, Basel in Switzerland, Zagreb and Dubrovnik in Croatia, and Copenhagen in Denmark. The Copenhagen route, in particular, is noteworthy, as it marks EL AL’s return to Denmark after 25 years. Sundor will operate these new routes, supported by the addition of two Boeing 737 aircraft to its fleet, as well as increased leased capacity to accommodate the growing demand for leisure travel.
The expansion of EL AL’s routes not only showcases its commitment to growth but also represents a deep-seated belief in the resilience of Israel’s economy and its aviation sector. With more destinations and higher flight frequencies, EL AL is ensuring that it continues to be a vital connection between Israel and the rest of the world. As the airline continues to grow, its role in promoting international tourism and business travel becomes even more significant, reflecting Israel’s status as an important player in global trade and tourism.
Croatia joins Denmark, Switzerland, South Korea, Vietnam, Philippines and more as EL AL unveils its most ambitious global expansion, adding nine new destinations. This strategic move aims to strengthen international connectivity and cater to growing demand across key global markets.
In conclusion, this expansion represents a new chapter for EL AL, reinforcing its position as a leader in Israel’s aviation industry. With its focus on growing its network, increasing frequencies, and fostering strategic partnerships, EL AL is poised to continue offering travelers more choices, better connectivity, and enhanced services. The airline’s growth is a clear indicator of the expanding demand for travel to and from Israel, as well as the airline’s commitment to providing world-class services to its passengers. EL AL is set to play an even more vital role in global aviation in the years ahead.
