Forget Vietnam: El Al Cancels the Dream of a Direct Flight to Hanoi

El Al announced the cancellation of the planned direct route from Tel Aviv to Hanoi, scheduled for October, due to failure to receive security approvals. The company offers passengers a flight via Bangkok, a change of destination, a full refund, or a credit voucher. The cancellation comes amid growing demand for Vietnam, and Arkia continues to operate direct flights.

El Al announced today (Thursday) the cancellation of the planned direct route from Tel Aviv to Hanoi, which was set to begin this coming October. The company explains that Israeli security authorities, responsible for aviation security and operating under the directives of the Shin Bet, have stated that approvals cannot be granted for operating the route with Israeli aircraft and crews. The route was part of El Al's expansion into the Far East; in June, the company announced nine new destinations, including Hanoi, Seoul, and Manila. El Al planned to operate three weekly flights, with ticket sales starting at $899 round-trip. The cancellation comes amid growing demand for Vietnam, and Arkia already operates direct flights to Hanoi and has even announced an additional route to Ho Chi Minh City. Passengers who have already purchased tickets are offered options at no additional cost: a flight via Bangkok with a connection on a foreign airline, a change to another destination, a full refund, or a credit voucher. The cancellation will be carried out gradually, and passengers will receive a dedicated notification starting next week.