El Al, Israel’s national airline, has announced that it will stop operating direct flights between Tel Aviv and Johannesburg from the end of March 2024, citing a sharp decline in demand from Israeli travellers and a diplomatic dispute with South Africa over the Gaza war.
The decision comes as South Africa has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, and has downgraded its relations with the Jewish state.
South Africa has also been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and a critic of Israel’s policies in the occupied territories.
El Al said in a statement that the Johannesburg-Tel Aviv route, which has been running for 74 years, has become unprofitable due to the reduced number of passengers and the uncertain political situation.
The airline added that it will continue to offer flights to other destinations in Africa, such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda.
The last direct flight from Tel Aviv to Johannesburg will depart on March 27, 2024, according to the airline’s website. After that, travellers will have to use other airlines and make stopovers along the way.
The move by El Al is likely to further strain the already tense relations between Israel and South Africa, which have been deteriorating since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. The war, which lasted for 11 days and killed more than 250 people, mostly Palestinians, sparked global outrage and condemnation of Israel’s actions.
READ ALSO: Israeli PM Netanyahu Knocks ICJ Verdict, Reaffirms Commitment to Defend Against Hamas Threat
South Africa, which has a large Muslim minority and a history of fighting against apartheid, has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, and has called for an end to the blockade and the occupation of the Palestinian territories.
South Africa has also been a leading advocate for the ICJ to intervene and order Israel to stop what it calls “acts of genocide” in Gaza.
On Friday, the ICJ issued its preliminary ruling on the case, in which it ordered Israel to “take all measures within its power” to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, and to improve the humanitarian situation there.
The court did not explicitly call for a ceasefire, but said that urgent measures were needed to protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
Israel has rejected the ICJ’s jurisdiction and its ruling, and has accused South Africa of politicizing the court and abusing international law.
Israel has also defended its right to self-defense and its actions in Gaza as necessary and proportionate.
The suspension of direct flights by El Al is expected to have a negative impact on the tourism and trade sectors of both countries, as well as on the cultural and personal ties between the Israeli and South African communities.
El Al said it hopes to resume the direct flights in the future if the situation improves and demand returns.