EL AL Airlines announced it will discontinue its nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Tel Aviv. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done here at FLL,” said Rabbi Yossi Rap, director of Chabad at the Airport, which coordinates services at airports across the U.S.
By Anash.org reporter
Just one year after the launch of nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Tel Aviv, EL AL announced it will discontinue its service by April 2026.
The popular route, launched in April 2024, quickly gained a strong following among Jewish travelers from Broward and Palm Beach counties, many of whom appreciated the convenience of avoiding Miami traffic. Service will be reduced to once weekly starting October 26, with the final flight scheduled for April 14.
Although planes have averaged over 90% capacity, EL AL cited operational constraints at FLL — particularly shorter runways, which limit cargo and passenger loads on their Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline will consolidate all South Florida operations at Miami International Airport (MIA), which offers longer runways and greater flexibility.
“This is disappointing news,” said Arlene Satchell, spokesperson for Broward Aviation. “The route was well-received by travelers in the region.”
Last year, Chabad Air opened a station at EL AL’s terminal at Fort Lauderdale airport to serve the Jewish travelers. The station is managed by Rabbi Avremi Raichik, the Chabad Air representative in South Florida, who directs mivtzoim at both Miami and Ft Lauderdale airports.
“We’re very proud of the work we’ve done here at Fort Lauderdale,” Rabbi Yossi Rap, director of Chabad at the Airport, which coordinates services at airports across the U.S, told Anash.org. “While we’re disappointed to see this route end, we’ll continue serving passengers here through the rest of the season – and, of course, we remain fully committed to Jewish travelers at airports around the country.”
Chabad Air has been a visible and supportive presence at numerous airports across the U.S., offering tefillin, Shabbos Candles, and other much-needed services to travelers. The organization has become a go-to resource for many families and individuals flying internationally.
EL AL’s U.S. headquarters, which relocated to Margate in 2022, will remain unchanged.
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