Amid the drama on the flight from Dubai: El Al and Israir stocks soar on the stock exchange

Israeli airline stocks are surging this morning on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange against the backdrop of the dramatic incident on a flight from Dubai, as reports of an attempted hijacking intensify. El Al's stock is up about 6%, Israir by about 5%. Meanwhile, the defense index is rising, and Smart Shooter is surging by about 22% following a contract with the US military.

Israeli airline stocks are surging this morning (Wednesday, September 30, 2026) on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, against the backdrop of the dramatic incident involving an Israeli flight from Dubai. As reports intensify about the possibility that this was an attempted hijacking, the gains are strengthening. El Al's stock is climbing nearly 6%, while Israir is strengthening by 5%. Trading opened with gains minutes after the suspicion of a plane hijacking was ruled out, but as rumors of an attempted hijacking grew, the gains strengthened, against the backdrop of the perception among many Israelis that local airlines are considered particularly safe. Meanwhile, the defense companies index is rising by nearly 1%, with Smart Shooter surging by about 22%, after reporting a contract worth up to $150 million with the US military. The company develops fire control systems that connect to small arms and help soldiers identify, track, and hit moving targets, including drones.