El Al Faces Backlash Over $850 Bangkok Rescue Flight Price

Following concerns among Israelis abroad after an incident involving a Flydubai plane, El Al announced a special repatriation flight from Bangkok on Sunday. The flight aimed to provide an option for Israelis to return home via an Israeli airline. However, the announced price of $850 for a one-way ticket has drawn significant criticism online, with many Israelis expecting a more subsidized fare for a "rescue flight."

Critics pointed to other available flights on the route, noting that Arkia offers direct flights for around $450 later in the month. However, aviation industry sources explained that the high price reflects the unique economics of a special charter flight. Unlike regular flights planned months in advance with full loads in both directions, this El Al flight required sending a plane from Israel to Bangkok with potentially few passengers, before picking up Israelis for the return journey.

The operational costs for such a flight are substantial. Industry insiders estimate the cost of operating a wide-body aircraft at approximately $10,000 per flight hour. The total flight hours for the round trip could approach $200,000, excluding additional expenses like crew, airport fees, ground services, and other logistical costs associated with a last-minute special operation.

While $850 appears high, especially labeled as a "rescue flight," aviation experts argue it may not be excessively profitable given the extraordinary costs. The discrepancy arises from the public's expectation of a subsidized rescue versus the airline's reality of covering significant operational expenses for a near-empty outbound leg. El Al did not provide a comment.