El Al is set to begin direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires, marking one of the longest and most complex routes in the airline’s network, as part of a government-backed initiative expected to be formally highlighted during Argentine President Javier Milei’s visit to Israel.
The Israeli flag carrier said the route is scheduled to launch in November, initially operating two weekly flights during a trial phase of roughly one year to assess demand for direct travel between the two countries. Ticket sales are expected to open in May, according to the company.
The move comes after El Al secured a government-supported tender aimed at establishing the long-distance route, which is viewed as strategically important despite significant operational challenges. “This is not a purely commercial decision—it reflects broader national and diplomatic priorities,” said Sivan Yedid, aviation analyst at Meitav Investment House, noting that long-haul connectivity to Latin America has been limited.
At approximately 16.5 hours outbound and 15.5 hours return, the Buenos Aires route will surpass most of El Al’s existing network in duration, exceeding even its long-haul service to Los Angeles. The extended flight time, combined with fuel and staffing costs, has raised questions about profitability.
To offset these challenges, the Israeli government has allocated a subsidy estimated at NIS 44 million, aimed at supporting the route during its initial phase. “Without state support, routes of this length and complexity are difficult to sustain,” said Brendan Sobie, aviation analyst at Sobie Aviation, pointing to high operating costs and uncertain demand.
Flight routing presents an additional layer of complexity. Industry sources indicate that the most viable path avoids unstable airspace, instead routing aircraft over the Mediterranean, across North Africa, and down the Atlantic corridor. While safer, the detour extends flight duration and increases fuel consumption.
Shorter routes that could reduce travel time by several hours are currently not feasible due to geopolitical constraints, including restricted access over certain regions and ongoing conflicts. “Operational safety always takes precedence, even if it means higher costs,” said Alex Macheras, aviation analyst and consultant, emphasizing the importance of stable flight paths for ultra-long-haul routes.
The service will require the use of wide-body aircraft capable of extended range, potentially leading El Al to reallocate planes currently deployed on more established and profitable routes, including North America and Asia.
Government-backed airline routes are relatively uncommon in Israel but not unprecedented. Past initiatives have included financial support for domestic flights to Eilat and maintaining politically sensitive international routes. However, those routes were significantly shorter and less costly to operate.
Globally, similar subsidy models are widely used to sustain routes considered strategically important but commercially marginal. “This is standard practice in many countries,” said John Grant, Chief Analyst at OAG, noting that governments often step in where market forces alone are insufficient to justify service.
For Israel, the Tel Aviv–Buenos Aires connection is expected to strengthen economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Argentina, particularly under Milei’s leadership, which has emphasized closer relations with Israel.
Looking ahead, the success of the route will depend on sustained passenger demand and the airline’s ability to manage operational costs. If the trial phase proves viable, the service could become a permanent fixture, expanding Israel’s long-haul connectivity into Latin America.
JBizNews Desk
