El Al Launches Flights to Bring Stranded Americans Home

Israel's national airline offers non-stop service to New York for U.S. citizens.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

El Al, Israel's flag carrier, has announced that it will launch six non-stop flights to New York starting this week to help thousands of U.S. citizens who have been stranded in the country since the outbreak of the Iran war. The flights will operate at full capacity and without the current 100-passenger limit per outbound flight, as part of an agreement with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

Why it matters

With the war against Iran entering its third week, no international airlines are currently flying to Tel Aviv, leaving many American citizens stranded in Israel. El Al's flights provide a critical repatriation service to get U.S. citizens home safely.

The details

El Al says it will proactively contact U.S. citizens holding valid El Al flight tickets whose flights were canceled and have not yet been reassigned, and will offer them placement on the flights at no extra charge. The national carrier stated that it is also prepared to expand these flights for additional American citizens, recognizing that this is only a partial solution due to the high demand.

  • The flights started on Monday, March 18, 2026.

The players

El Al

Israel's flag carrier airline.

U.S. State Department

The U.S. government agency responsible for foreign affairs and diplomacy.

U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem

The diplomatic mission of the United States in Israel.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

El Al's repatriation flights demonstrate the importance of international cooperation and diplomatic efforts to assist citizens stranded abroad during times of crisis and conflict.