EL AL | Retaining Control of the US Routes
With American Airlines returning slowly, El Al continues to control most Israel–US traffic, supported by Delta’s codeshare and loyal passengers.
Bonus Post — 🇮🇱 Hebrew Below
United Airlines, which was a major player on US routes from Ben-Gurion Airport before the war, is expected to return only on a limited scale by the end of March 2026. This will result in El Al maintaining continuous control of the US route.
Disclaimer: As of the publish date, I hold a share of EL AL. This post is for information purposes only. I may buy or sell at any time without further notice. Not advice or a call to action.
The time component is essential not just for ticket sales within the designated period. Why? Passengers continue to earn points, which boosts customer loyalty and strengthens the brand.
US routes are especially profitable for El Al: until the summer before the war, El Al flew about 35 weekly flights to the US, and now there are around 52 weekly flights.
From a competitive standpoint, the codeshare with Delta could affect things in two ways:
🔹 Benefits for passengers: Earning more frequent flyer points and better availability, including weekend flights.
🔹 Return dynamics: The codeshare might lessen Delta’s need to return to full operations, as it generates profitability for both parties who can benefit from fewer flights (codeshare → reduced competition, extra revenue from agent fees).
Bottom line, I am not convinced yet that American Airlines’ return to Ben-Gurion Airport will significantly impact ticket prices, as El Al remains a strong competitor. In the comparison so far, I haven't seen any notable price differences or particularly attractive takeoff and landing slots. The codeshare with Delta allows El Al customers to book flights on any day of the week under one system and earn points in the frequent flyer program, making it a relatively appealing option.
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