New Nonstop Routes: El Al Adds Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila to Its Network, Connecting Israel to Asia in 2026

Published on February 25, 2026

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El Al Israel Airlines is significantly expanding its Asia-Pacific network with the launch of three new long-haul routes to Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila. Starting October 24, 2026, El Al will begin service between Tel Aviv and Hanoi, marking the airline’s first-ever nonstop route to Vietnam. In addition to this new service, the airline plans to introduce three-times-weekly flights to Seoul from March 2027 and Manila at a later date, subject to regulatory approvals.

This network expansion comes as El Al continues to rebuild its operations following disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Israel, which began in October 2023. The new routes will contribute to El Al’s efforts to diversify its offerings, meeting the growing demand for travel to Asia while strengthening its position in the competitive Asia-Pacific market.

Connecting Israel to Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, will be the first city to receive El Al’s nonstop flights from Tel Aviv. This new route will offer passengers the chance to explore Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant street food scene. Hanoi is also a gateway to nearby attractions such as Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and natural beauty.

The addition of Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, as a new destination will allow El Al to tap into the growing interest in Korean culture and the increasing number of tourists flocking to South Korea for its historical sites, cutting-edge technology, and global fashion influence. Seoul is already a popular hub for international travelers, and El Al’s direct service will provide even more convenience for tourists looking to explore the Korean Peninsula.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is another exciting addition to El Al’s long-haul network. The Philippines has been a rapidly growing tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diving spots like Palawan and Boracay. The Manila route will cater to leisure travelers seeking tropical escapes, as well as business travelers heading to the Philippines’ growing commercial center. El Al’s new service will make it easier for Israelis and other international travelers to access Manila, further boosting tourism to the region.

Expanding El Al’s Presence in the Asia-Pacific Market

The introduction of Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila will increase El Al’s Asia-Pacific footprint, which currently represents only 7.3% of its total capacity. The airline has historically operated fewer long-haul flights to Asia, with key services to Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo. This expansion reflects El Al’s strategy to strengthen its market presence by adding destinations with growing demand and increasing tourism and business ties between Israel and Asia.

Pre-pandemic, El Al also operated flights to Beijing and Shanghai, and though these services were suspended during the global health crisis, the airline’s new routes to Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila demonstrate its commitment to rebuilding and diversifying its Asian operations. The additional destinations will also support the airline’s growing cargo business, particularly in high-demand sectors such as electronics, textiles, and agriculture.

Increasing Frequencies and Strengthening Tourism Links

As part of its expanded network, El Al will operate three flights per week on each of the new routes to Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila, catering to the increasing demand for travel to these growing tourist destinations. For travelers, this expanded frequency means more flexibility when planning their trips to Asia. Additionally, El Al’s flights will provide enhanced connections to other key destinations in Asia and Europe, further promoting global tourism exchanges.

Tourism from Israel to Asia has seen significant growth, with Israelis increasingly seeking to explore Southeast Asia and East Asia. These new nonstop services will make it easier for Israeli travelers to visit Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines, contributing to the development of Israel’s tourism sector. Likewise, tourists from these countries will benefit from more direct flight options to explore Israel’s rich cultural heritage, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Dead Sea.

Strengthening El Al’s Role in Connecting Israel and Asia

The new routes to Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila position El Al as a growing player in the Israel-Asia aviation market, offering more travel options for both business and leisure passengers. With nonstop flights to these key cities, El Al will be better equipped to serve the needs of travelers seeking convenience and direct access between Israel and the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific region.

The expansion also supports El Al’s efforts to diversify its long-haul network beyond its traditional focus on North America and Europe, reinforcing its position as a major international carrier. As Asia continues to be a driving force in the global tourism and business sectors, El Al’s new services will help the airline tap into this burgeoning market.

Looking Ahead: The Future of El Al’s Network Expansion

As El Al continues to expand its services to Asia, the airline remains focused on offering efficient, affordable travel options for both leisure and business travelers. The new nonstop flights to Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila will play a crucial role in further integrating Israel into the wider Asia-Pacific tourism and business networks.

With daily flights and increased frequencies on select routes, El Al’s Asia expansion promises to provide travelers with greater access to some of the most dynamic and diverse destinations in East Asia and Southeast Asia. As the airline continues to grow, its new routes will help facilitate deeper connections between Israel, Asia, and the rest of the world.