Full Breakdown
El Al Unveils World’s Largest Kosher Airline Catering Plant at Ben Gurion Airport
5/8/2026, 11:09:38 AM
Inauguration Details
On Wednesday, Israeli flag carrier El Al opened a new aviation-catering facility at Ben Gurion International Airport. Operated by Tamam (Aircraft Food Industries), the plant replaces a decades-old site and is described by the airline as the world’s largest kosher aviation food plant of its kind.
Background and Context
The former catering complex had served El Al for many years but was limited in size and technology. The new plant was constructed with an investment of “hundreds of millions of shekels” and incorporates advanced systems for food-preparation management and quality control. El Al has framed the project as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing the overall passenger journey.
Key Figures and Groups
- El Al – Israel’s national airline and primary operator of flights to and from Tel Aviv.
- Tamam (Aircraft Food Industries) – The catering company that will run the new facility.
- Levi Halevi – Chief Executive Officer of El Al, who highlighted the strategic importance of the plant.
Scale and Capacity (Data & Statistics)
- Facility size: Approximately 14,000 m² (about 150,000 ft²), nearly double the footprint of the previous plant.
- Meal output: Capacity to produce roughly 50,000 meals per day, up from about 30,000 at the older site.
- Financial outlay: Investment measured in the “hundreds of millions of shekels” range.
Strategic Significance Amid Regional Tensions (Why It Matters)
Since the outbreak of the war with Iran, most international carriers have suspended service to Tel Aviv, leaving El Al and a handful of other Israeli airlines to operate the majority of inbound and outbound flights. The expanded catering capacity enables El Al to broaden the variety of kosher meals offered, improve product quality, and sustain growth despite reduced competition. The plant’s modern technology also supports the airline’s long-term goal of elevating the in-flight experience for passengers.
Official Statements & Responses
El Al’s press release emphasized that the new facility will allow the airline to expand meal variety, improve product quality, and raise culinary standards for its passengers. CEO Levi Halevi added that the investment reflects a consistent commitment to enhancing every component of the customer journey and to supporting the airline’s growth for years to come.
Criticism & Opposition
The source material does not contain any reported criticism or opposition to the project.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We continue to invest consistently and significantly in improving the flight experience, understanding that every component of the customer journey is part of the overall experience,” — Levi Halevi, CEO, El Al
- “TAMAM's new plant allows us to raise the culinary standard for El Al passengers, expand operational capabilities and support El Al's growth for years to come.” — Levi Halevi, CEO, El Al
- “The new facility will allow us to expand the variety of meals served onboard, further improve product quality and elevate the culinary standard for El Al passengers,” — El Al spokesperson
What’s Next
El Al plans a gradual transition of all catering operations to the new plant over the coming months. The airline expects the expanded capacity to enable a broader menu of kosher options and to reinforce its position as the primary carrier serving Tel Aviv during a period of heightened regional instability.
