After challenging months of conflict, airspace closures, and halted operations at Ben Gurion Airport, a leading Israeli airline has released its activity report for the third quarter of 2025. The data indicates surprising success: high demand, strong revenues, and strategic planning yielding positive results despite everything.
The Aviation Industry in Israel Amidst the Storm
The year 2025 was one of the most challenging in the history of Israel’s aviation industry. The “Iron Swords” war created an unstable security environment, significantly impacting operations at Ben Gurion Airport: decreased stability, volatile demand, and a complete halt of flights in June due to Operation “With a Lion’s Heart”.
However, surprisingly, with the end of the fighting and the gradual return to operations in July 2025, demand for El Al flights surged dramatically.
Exceptionally Strong Quarterly Results: Net Profit of $202.6 Million
Despite six weeks without operations, the third quarter of 2025 ended for El Al with a net profit of approximately $202.6 million, a significant increase compared to the same quarter in 2024, where the profit was about $187.4 million.
Even during the first nine months of the year (January-September), the company recorded a net profit of $364.1 million, with the impact of the airspace closure in June estimated at a $100 million loss in the second quarter.
High Demand, Limited Supply, and Impressive Load Factors
With the opening of the summer and holiday season, and while foreign airlines operated only partially, a relative advantage was created for the Israeli company:
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High aircraft occupancy
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High yield per seat (RASK)
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3.3% growth in seat supply compared to the same period last year
Demand for flights from Ben Gurion Airport is at its peak, and the company leveraged this to strengthen its position in the local and international market.
Fleet Expansion and Employee Recruitment
During the third quarter, the company expanded its aircraft fleet, recruited air and ground crews, and increased production capacity, leading to an increase in the ASK parameter (Available Seat Kilometers).
Despite fewer working days due to the Tishrei holidays, the company managed to offer more seats while maintaining impressive profitability.
Optimistic Forecast for the Fourth Quarter of 2025
In the fourth quarter, foreign airlines began to return to full operation from Ben Gurion Airport, but not yet at routine levels. As a result, demand for El Al flights is expected to remain high.
According to the company, this trend is expected to continue until the end of the year, albeit at a slightly lower intensity than the peaks recorded in the summer.
Forward-Looking Information: Dependence on Security Situation and Competitor Activity
The forecasts are based on the continuation of regular flights at Ben Gurion Airport, but any change in the security situation, regulatory changes, or the full return of foreign competitors could impact actual performance.
