The move affects one of the few remaining direct air links between Israel and Russia at a time when air travel across the region is facing repeated disruption from security concerns, airspace risks and sudden schedule changes. For passengers, it is another reminder that routes involving Russia can no longer be treated as routine, even when they remain technically open for sale.

El Al said the suspension is connected to the unstable situation in Russian airspace. While the airline has not yet announced a longer-term halt to the route, it has made clear that the outlook for flights between Israel and Russia remains under active review, with additional operational decisions likely in the coming days.