Israel’s Competition Authority to Fine ELAL 121 Million Shekel Over ‘Excessive’ Wartime Pricing

israelnationalnews

Israel’s Competition Authority announced Sunday that it intends to declare El Al a monopoly on inbound and outbound flights from October 7, 2023, through May 2024, and to impose the maximum statutory fine of NIS 121 million, subject to a hearing.

According to the authority, after foreign airlines suspended service following the Hamas attack, El Al’s market share jumped from about 20% before October 7 to more than 70% within days, and exceeded 50% overall during the first months of the war. The regulator found that average ticket prices rose by about 16% during the period, with increases ranging from 6% to 31% on key routes.

The authority argues the increases were “excessive and unfair” given limited competition and high consumer demand.

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