El Al Cancels Planned Direct Flights to Hanoi Due to Security Clearance Issues

El Al has announced the cancellation of its planned direct flights to Hanoi, Vietnam, scheduled to begin in two months, citing the lack of required security approvals from Israeli security agencies. The decision follows directives from the Shin Bet and other aviation security authorities, who stated that the airline could not operate the route with Israeli aircraft and crews under current security protocols. This cancellation is not related to any specific security incident or travel warning but stems from Israeli airport security procedures.

El Al had initially received preliminary approvals from relevant authorities before announcing the route in February and investing significant operational and commercial resources. However, the final security clearance was denied, forcing the airline to cancel the launch. In contrast, Arkia, which already operates flights to Hanoi, will continue its service.

El Al apologized to customers who purchased tickets and offered flexible options including rerouting flights through Bangkok with onward travel on foreign carriers at no extra cost, changing to other El Al destinations on the same dates without additional fees, full refunds, or future travel vouchers. Customers have not yet been formally notified of the cancellation, which will be implemented gradually based on scheduled departure dates, with dedicated communications starting next week.