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El Al Resumes Moscow Flights After FourMonth Suspension Tel Aviv, May 1, 2025 — El Al Israel Airlines has officially resumed its flight operations to Moscow after a fourmonth suspension, marking a significant development in the airlines international schedule and Israel’s broader aviation landscape. The first resumed flight took off from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport early Thursday morning, bound for Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, restoring a key air link that had been paused since early January 2025. The suspension had been put in place due to escalating regional security concerns and ongoing assessments of the geopolitical situation surrounding Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine. El Als decision to restart the Moscow route comes after a thorough risk evaluation and coordination with Israeli and international aviation authorities. The airline stated that it has implemented heightened safety protocols and will maintain close monitoring of the regional situation. “El Al is committed to maintaining vital air connections for the Israeli public, while ensuring the highest safety standards for our passengers and crew,” the airline said in a statement. “We continue to work closely with all relevant authorities to assess the situation and will adjust our operations as needed.” The resumption of flights is a welcome development for thousands of travelers, including RussianIsraelis, business professionals, and members of the Jewish community with ties to Russia. The route has historically been one of El Als busiest, reflecting strong cultural and economic ties between the two countries. Aviation analysts noted that the return to Moscow flights may also boost El Al’s financial performance, which has faced pressure in recent quarters due to reduced travel in certain regions. The airline has been gradually rebuilding its international network postCOVID and navigating complex airspace challenges due to regional conflicts. While El Al has resumed the route, industry observers remain cautious. “This move shows confidence in the security assessments, but the region remains volatile, and airlines need to remain flexible,” said Avi Kornfeld, an aviation consultant based in Jerusalem. The flights will initially operate three times a week, with the possibility of expansion depending on demand and stability in the region. El Al has also announced that customers with previously canceled tickets will be eligible for rebooking options at no extra charge. As of now, El Al remains one of the few Western airlines operating in Russia, as most European and North American carriers continue to avoid Russian airspace due to sanctions and airspace restrictions. The resumption of service not only reinforces El Al’s strategic importance in connecting Israel to global destinations but also highlights the complex balancing act airlines face in navigating geopolitics and commercial necessity.