El Al to Launch Direct Flights to Argentina Following Milei-Netanyahu Announcement
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JERUSALEM — Israeli carrier El Al announced on Monday it will begin direct flights to Argentina by the end of the year, a move formalized during a joint press conference between Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The agreement marks a significant expansion of commercial air links between the two nations. El Al, Israel’s flag carrier, stated that the new route will connect Tel Aviv with Buenos Aires, facilitating travel for passengers and strengthening economic ties between the countries. The airline confirmed that operations are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026.
President Milei and Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed reporters in Jerusalem following bilateral talks focused on trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation. During the event, both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity between their nations. Netanyahu described the flight agreement as a testament to the deepening relationship between Israel and Argentina, while Milei highlighted the potential for increased tourism and business exchanges.
The announcement comes amid broader efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries. Argentina and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, but the new air route represents a tangible step toward closer integration. The direct service is expected to benefit the large Argentine-Jewish community, as well as travelers seeking more efficient routes between South America and the Middle East.
El Al officials indicated that the airline is currently finalizing logistical arrangements, including securing landing rights and coordinating with Argentine aviation authorities. No specific dates for the inaugural flight have been released, though the airline confirmed that preparations are on track to meet the year-end target.
The decision to launch the route follows months of negotiations between government officials and airline executives. While details regarding flight frequency and ticket pricing remain undisclosed, industry analysts suggest the service could operate several times weekly, depending on demand.
Questions remain regarding the long-term viability of the route and potential challenges related to operational costs and market demand. Additionally, the impact of the new service on existing indirect flights through European or North American hubs has not been fully assessed.
As both governments continue to explore further areas of cooperation, the El Al announcement stands as a key milestone in the evolving partnership between Israel and Argentina.