EL AL Israel Airlines will end its nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Tel Aviv, with the final flight scheduled for April 14, 2026. The airline announced the decision Tuesday, citing operational limitations at FLL.
Despite strong demand – planes averaged over 90% full – EL AL pointed to Fort Lauderdale’s shorter runways, which restrict the takeoff weight of fully loaded Boeing 787s, limiting both passenger and cargo capacity.
Service reductions will begin October 26 when the route drops to one flight per week. EL AL will shift its South Florida operations to Miami International Airport (MIA), where longer runways better accommodate its aircraft.
“This is disappointing news,” said Broward aviation spokesperson Arlene Satchell. “The route was well-received by travelers in Broward and Palm Beach counties.”
The Fort Lauderdale–Tel Aviv route launched in April 2024 and was initially welcomed by South Florida’s growing Israeli and Jewish communities, as well as business travelers. EL AL’s U.S. headquarters, which moved to Margate in 2022, will remain in place and is unaffected by the route change.
By consolidating at MIA, EL AL aims to improve operational efficiency and continue offering nonstop service to Israel from South Florida.
