El Al Denied Russian Approval for St. Petersburg Flights

Israeli airline El Al has been unable to secure permission from Russian authorities to operate flights to St. Petersburg. This route was intended to replace the Tel Aviv-Moscow service, which was suspended in June due to the threat of Ukrainian drones. Reports in late August indicated El Al's readiness to launch direct flights between Tel Aviv and St. Petersburg, with further details expected in early September. Subsequent reports suggested the flight was slated to commence, with an estimated flight time of approximately five hours and fifteen minutes.

However, Israeli media outlets, including Channel 12 and Israel Hayom, have now reported that El Al has not received a positive response from Russian aviation authorities. According to Israeli sources, Moscow is reportedly hesitant to allow El Al to expand its operations in Russia while Aeroflot is unable to fly to Israel. A definitive refusal regarding the St. Petersburg route has not been issued by Moscow.

Currently, air travel between Russia and Israel is being conducted by Russian airlines Red Wings and Azimuth.