El Al Airlines to offer free tickets to Israeli Defence Force

Israel’s flag carrier El Al will gift free air tickets to soldiers who have served in the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).

This is an act of kindness, showing appreciation for their service amid the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.

“As a company that enlisted in the national effort at the very beginning of the war, we feel it is our obligation to give back to those who contributed to the country and our defense during this period,” – The airline said, per The Times of Israel.

ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE TICKETS

The airline says that soldiers in both regular and reserve service will be eligible for a free flight ticket if they have served for 30 days or more in active service since October.

Soldiers who meet the criteria must also be members of the airline’s frequent flyer club.

However, they can join the loyal programme at any time, if they are not current members, the airline says.

FREE EL AL FLIGHT TICKETS

The free tickets will include a pre-selected seat and baggage.

They will be valid for flights departing Israel any time between 5 May 2024 and 17 February 2025.

DESTINATIONS

Members of the Israeli Defence Force, who are eligible for El Al’s free tickets may travel to a number of destinations in Europe.

They will be able to select one of the following locations as their destination:

• Zurich, Switzerland
• Sofia, Bulgaria
• Vienna, Austria
• Thessaloniki or Athens, Greece
• Paphos or Larnaca, Cyprus
• Budapest, Hungary
• Bucharest, Romania

FLYING TO ISRAEL

Since the Hamas attacks on October 7 last year, a great number of airlines suspended flights into Israel. The reason is a lack of safety when flying in the region.

However, Israeli carriers, El Al Airlines, Israir and Arkia Airlines continued operating flights during this period – when most airlines halted operations to the state. These operations are important since air connectivity with Israel has shrunk since the hostilities began late last year.

The airline will terminate its South African operations. It will stop flying to Johannesburg in March.

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