Full Breakdown
El Al Suspends Tel Aviv-Moscow Flights
6/25/2026, 8:30:51 PM
Flight Suspension
El Al announced on June 25, 2026 a suspension of its Tel Aviv-Moscow service for the coming days, citing “developments between Russia and Ukraine and recent aviation incidents in the region.” Flight LY611 and a concurrent S7 flight were cancelled.
Ukrainian Drone Attack & Energy Strikes
Ukraine’s recent drone offensive against Moscow deployed 555 drones that Moscow says damaged several refineries. Ukrainian forces also struck an oil depot in Krasnodar and two refineries in Ufa, about 1,500 km from the front, with attacks reaching Siberia over 2,000 km. The strikes have caused fuel shortages and prompted Russia to consider a diesel export ban.
Key Actors
El Al (Israel’s flagship carrier); Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister; Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President; Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister; and an Israeli airline spokesperson who confirmed the suspension to The Times of Israel.
Suspension Timeline
Feb 2022 – El Al first halted Moscow flights. Dec 2024 – a second pause followed a Russian-shot Azerbaijani plane. Oct 2024 – flights stopped for operational reasons. Jun 25 2026 – current suspension was announced, cancelling Flight LY611.
Data Summary
555 drones were used in the Moscow attack. The Ufa refineries lie about 1,500 km from the Ukrainian front, and strikes have reached over 2,000 km into Siberia. Since Feb 2022, El Al has suspended Moscow service three times. Russia is the world’s third-largest oil producer.
Impact on Travel
The pause curtails passenger movement between Israel and Russia. It highlights the vulnerability of commercial routes to regional conflict and reflects heightened caution amid fuel-supply disruptions.
Official Statements
El Al’s notice cited “developments in the airspace over Russia” as the reason for the pause. An airline spokesperson confirmed it to The Times of Israel. Lavrov warned of “Massive attacks against Ukraine,” while Zelensky highlighted Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy sites. Novak said Russia is weighing a diesel export ban.
Conflicting Reports
All sources agree on the 555-drone figure and the suspension’s cause, but none specify the exact duration beyond “the coming days” or the number of passengers affected.
Verbatim Quotes
- “due to developments between Russia and Ukraine and recent aviation incidents in the region.” — El Al spokesperson
- “In light of developments in the airspace over Russia, EL AL is suspending flights on the Tel Aviv-Moscow route,” — El Al notice
- “Massive attacks against Ukraine” — Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister
- “Ukraine's military hit an oil depot in Russia's Krasnodar region and two oil refineries in the Ufa region, 1,500 km from the Ukrainian border, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday.” — Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
Outlook
El Al will review the security situation next week and will notify passengers of alternative travel options. Ongoing monitoring of Russian airspace and Ukrainian strike activity will decide whether the Tel Aviv-Moscow route can resume or if further cancellations are needed.
