Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Croatia And Denmark Joins Switzerland, Italy, Vietnam, Philippines, And South Korea In El Al’s Major Travel Boom, Introducing Direct Flights To Open Up New Pathways For Tourists And Travelers
Published on
February 10, 2026
Croatia and Denmark Joins Switzerland, Italy, Vietnam, Philippines, and South Korea in Expanding El Al’s Travel Boom with New Direct Flights to Boost Global Connectivity and Tourism in 2026 as the airline rolls out nine new routes to meet growing demand for travel between Israel and key global destinations. This bold expansion marks a significant milestone for El Al as it introduces direct flights to exciting destinations across Europe and Asia, offering more convenient travel options for both business and leisure passengers. The new routes, which include services to Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila, along with seasonal flights to major European cities like Catania, Cagliari, Basel, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Copenhagen, are set to reshape the airline’s network, enhancing connectivity and fueling tourism across these regions.
Israel’s flagship carrier, El Al, is launching a bold new expansion plan in 2026 and 2027 that will see the airline introduce nine new destinations across Europe, Asia, and beyond. This expansion not only strengthens El Al’s footprint on the global stage but also significantly enhances its network to cater to increasing demand for international travel. New routes include direct flights to Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila, while Sun d’Or, El Al’s leisure-focused subsidiary, will launch flights to Catania, Cagliari, Basel, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Copenhagen.
These expansions reflect a strategic effort by El Al to enhance its global network, tapping into lucrative markets across Southeast Asia and Europe, while catering to leisure travelers with direct services to picturesque Mediterranean and European cities. Here’s a detailed look at the routes and what passengers can expect from this exciting growth.
El Al Expands Long-Haul Network with New Direct Routes
One of the key highlights of this expansion is the introduction of long-haul direct flights to key Asian capitals: Hanoi (Vietnam), Seoul (South Korea), and Manila (Philippines). These routes are set to significantly enhance El Al’s intercontinental connectivity and are expected to be pivotal for both business and tourism.
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Hanoi, Vietnam – Launching October 2026
El Al’s route to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, will commence in October 2026, marking the airline’s first-ever direct service to the country. Passengers can book their tickets starting from $899 round-trip, with the airline offering three weekly flights. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will operate this route, featuring three service classes: economy, premium, and business, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
Hanoi is fast becoming a popular tourist destination, known for its rich cultural history, lush landscapes, and the iconic Ha Long Bay. The introduction of direct flights will not only benefit Vietnamese travelers heading to Israel but will also support Israel’s growing tourism sector by bringing more visitors to the country. The new route will also make it easier for Israeli businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Vietnam’s burgeoning economy.
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Seoul, South Korea – Launching March 2027
El Al will begin offering direct flights to Seoul, South Korea’s bustling capital, starting in March 2027. Ticket sales for this route will begin in May 2026, and the service will operate three times a week. As one of Asia’s largest and most influential economies, South Korea offers vast opportunities in technology, business, and tourism.
Seoul is a cultural powerhouse, blending ancient traditions with modernity, from the UNESCO-listed Gyeongbokgung Palace to the iconic Namsan Tower and Gangnam District. The introduction of direct flights will foster stronger ties between Israel and South Korea, which is crucial for both tourism and business development. Whether it’s tourism or trade, this new connection will open doors for enhanced interaction between these two dynamic countries.
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Manila, Philippines – Launching Date TBA
El Al has also announced plans to launch a direct route to Manila, Philippines’ bustling capital. Although the launch date for this route has yet to be announced, this will be El Al’s first-ever direct flight to the Philippines. The flights will operate three times a week, and passengers can look forward to easy access between Israel and the Philippines. The Philippine Islands are known for their stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and unique natural beauty, making them a desirable destination for Israeli tourists.
The new connection will provide a critical direct link for both tourists and businesses, making travel between the two countries more seamless and boosting trade, especially in areas like technology, agriculture, and tourism.
Sun d’Or Brings New Leisure Routes to Europe
While El Al focuses on expanding its intercontinental network, its leisure subsidiary Sun d’Or is introducing new routes to Europe, adding destinations such as Catania and Cagliari in Italy, Basel in Switzerland, Zagreb and Dubrovnik in Croatia, and Copenhagen in Denmark.
Italy – Catania and Cagliari
El Al’s subsidiary Sun d’Or will offer direct flights to Catania in Sicily and Cagliari in Sardinia from October 2026. These routes will cater to travelers seeking leisure and beach destinations in Italy’s two most iconic islands.
Catania (Sicily) will offer travelers an escape to one of Italy’s most scenic regions, with fares starting from $389 round-trip. Known for its proximity to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, and its rich history, Catania offers a unique blend of adventure and culture.Cagliari (Sardinia), with fares starting at $339, is the perfect gateway for exploring Sardinia’s stunning coastline, beaches, and ancient ruins. Both routes will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft and will run two to three times a week.Basel, Switzerland and Dubrovnik, CroatiaBasel, Switzerland is another exciting addition. Known for its beautiful old town, the Art Basel fair, and its proximity to both France and Germany, Basel offers unique cultural experiences. Flights will operate twice a week, with round-trip fares starting at $439.Dubrovnik, located on Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, is a popular destination for beach lovers and fans of Game of Thrones. El Al will offer direct flights starting at $339 round-trip, operated on the Boeing 737 fleet.Zagreb, Croatia and Copenhagen, Denmark
In addition to the Mediterranean routes, Sun d’Or will introduce direct flights to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, and Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant and eco-friendly capital.
Zagreb offers a rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, with fares starting at $339 round-trip. The Croatian capital is becoming an increasingly popular city break destination due to its combination of historic charm and modern attractions.Copenhagen, making its return to the El Al network after a hiatus since 2001, will have flights starting from $529 round-trip. Denmark’s capital is known for its sustainability efforts, bike-friendly streets, and a thriving design scene. This route will operate twice a week on Boeing 737 aircraft.El Al’s New Global Network Expansion: Direct Flights to Exciting Destinations in 2026 and 2027New DestinationRoute LaunchFrequencyFares StartAircraftHanoi, VietnamOctober 20263x Weekly$899Boeing 787Seoul, South KoreaMarch 20273x WeeklyTBDBoeing 787Manila, PhilippinesTBA3x WeeklyTBDBoeing 787Catania, Sicily (Italy)October 20262-3x Weekly$389Boeing 737Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy)October 20262-3x Weekly$339Boeing 737Basel, SwitzerlandOctober 20262x Weekly$439Boeing 737Zagreb, CroatiaOctober 20262x Weekly$339Boeing 737Dubrovnik, CroatiaOctober 20262x Weekly$339Boeing 737Copenhagen, DenmarkOctober 20262x Weekly$529Boeing 737Expanding El Al’s Core Network
Alongside the new routes, El Al is increasing frequencies on its core destinations, especially to North America and Asia. In North America, El Al is operating its largest-ever schedule, with up to 55 weekly flights across major cities in the US and Canada. This expansion comes at a time when Israeli travel to the US continues to grow, with key cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto seeing rising demand.
In Asia, El Al is ramping up its services to Japan and Thailand, with up to five weekly flights to Tokyo and 16 weekly flights to Bangkok. These expanded services cater to both leisure tourists and business travelers heading to two of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia.
El Al also plans to bolster its European presence by increasing services to major hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin, reinforcing its position as the go-to airline for travel between Israel and Europe.
El Al’s Future Strategy and Partnerships
In addition to these route expansions, El Al has also announced future partnerships with leading international airlines. These partnerships aim to offer greater flexibility and more destinations for El Al passengers through codeshare agreements and interline connections. These collaborations are expected to expand El Al’s network, providing travelers with smoother connections to South America, Africa, and other regions.
El Al’s announcement to launch nine new direct flights is a game-changer for Israeli aviation, catering to both business and leisure travelers. The airline is revamping its offerings by opening up exciting new routes to Hanoi, Seoul, Manila, and more, while Sun d’Or is bringing holiday travelers closer to some of Europe’s most desirable locations.
As global tourism recovers, El Al is strategically positioning itself to take advantage of the growing demand for travel, and these new routes reflect a deep commitment to enhancing international connectivity. Whether it’s exploring Asia’s vibrant capitals or Europe’s iconic beach destinations, El Al’s new network promises to bring the world closer to Israel—and Israel closer to the world.
The increased frequencies and strategic partnerships set the stage for a dynamic future, where travelers will have even more options for convenient, comfortable, and direct flights. This bold expansion marks the beginning of a new era for El Al, and for global travel connectivity, as the airline continues to grow its influence in the international aviation market.
Croatia and Denmark join Switzerland, Italy, Vietnam, Philippines, and South Korea in expanding El Al’s travel boom as the airline launches new direct flights to meet rising demand for international travel. These routes are set to enhance global connectivity and boost tourism by offering more seamless travel options between Israel and key destinations in Europe and Asia.
This extensive expansion is set to redefine El Al’s position as a key player in global aviation, particularly in the Southeast Asia and European markets. For travelers looking to explore new destinations with direct connectivity from Israel, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of unprecedented travel possibilities.
