What’s happening
Israel’s national carrier, El Al Airlines, is set to resume its operations between Tel Aviv and Moscow on May 1st. The Israeli airline will conduct seven weekly flights, becoming one of the few Western carriers cleared to operate flights into the Russian capital. This decision follows a thorough assessment of the airspace’s safety.
Why it matters
The reinstatement of El Al flights reflects Israel’s strategic geopolitical stance and careful balancing of international relations. This move underlines Israel’s ability to maintain transportation links even while exercising caution and addressing regional safety concerns. Given the current geopolitical climate in Eastern Europe, sustaining connectivity with Russia will have a lasting impact on both Israeli citizens and broader bilateral relations.
The big picture
In late 2024, flights to Moscow were paused when an Azerbaijani aircraft met tragedy, reportedly being struck by a Russian missile. At that time, travel and diplomatic tensions were high, with barriers imposed by Russia on airlines from several nations due to sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. Despite this, Israel prioritized its diplomatic footprint, navigating complex global relationships as it maintained ties with both Ukraine and Russia.
The significance for Israeli citizens
Approximately 1.3 million people in Israel are Russian speakers and have profound ties to Russia, making the resumed direct access a relief for many. For Israeli citizens who are either of Russian heritage or have familial and business connections in Russia, this development restores important passages for communication and commerce.
The broader context
Although geopolitical issues have led many international flights in and out of Russia to be altered or halted, Israel’s approach ensures it remains a vital link for Western carriers while further demonstrating its nuanced foreign policy strategy. By staying engaged with Russian authorities and reopening its Moscow route, El Al is able to bolster its network, providing expanded services for passengers and solidifying its status as an internationally-minded airline.
This story was first published on jpost.com.