Israel airline to scrap flights to South Africa from March El Al Airlines
Israeli flag carrier El Al said it will scrap direct flights to South Africa following “a significant fall in demand by Israeli travellers”. Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP

Home » Israel national airlines cancels flights to South Africa

Israel national airlines cancels flights to South Africa

El Al Israel Airline’s stops flights to SA. Final flight from Tel Aviv to Johannesburg is set to depart on 27 March.

27-01-24 09:51
Israel airline to scrap flights to South Africa from March El Al Airlines
Israeli flag carrier El Al said it will scrap direct flights to South Africa following “a significant fall in demand by Israeli travellers”. Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP

Just hours before the International Court of Justice(ICJ) delivered its judgement on South Africa’s accusation of Israel committing genocide on Palestinians, Israel’s El Al Airlines has announce it is cancelling its direct flights to Johannesburg.

ISRAEL NATIONAL AIRLINE EL AL CLIPS ITS SA WINGS

While the timing of the announcement maybe questionable, the carrier has cited decline in demand for the cancellation of its flights.

“Due to the current security situation, there has been a significant decrease in demand among Israeli travelers to various destinations, including Johannesburg in South Africa” the company said in a statement.

“In light of this, starting at the end of March 2024, we will suspend the activity on the Johannesburg-Tel Aviv line, in order to adapt the target range to demands.”

El Al currently fly’s to and from Johannesburg twice a week.

ALSO READ: World Court sides with South Africa on genocide case

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EL AL
El Al Israel Airlines Johannesburg staff. Image: El Al/Facebook

ICJ COURT ORDER

“The court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering,” says court President Joan Donoghue.

ALSO READ: Pandor: Isreal allies must put pressure to implement ICJ judgement

ALSO READ: South Africa celebrates UN’s top court ruling

After hearing heads of arguments two weeks ago, the ICJ has ordered Israel to take reasonable measures to prevent genocide on Palestinians.This includings the killing and harming of Palestinians- all while stopping explicitly ordering a seize fire.

The court has also found that South Africa does have a case of genocide and has refused to throw the matter out of court.

Israel has also been requested to allow Humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave.

The World Court has ordered Israel to report back in a month’s time to detail measures it has taken since the order was given.