In recognition of their heroism and sacrifices, El Al is giving soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) a free, round-trip airline ticket.

Since the outbreak of the war, El Al has taken part in the national effort, including flying essential cargo, offering rescue flights for soldiers stranded outside Israel on October 7 and flying thousands of reservists who were abroad when they were called to return to Israel for duty.

El Al is now continuing its activities on behalf of IDF soldiers, and is embarking on a series of measures to honour them. Those serving in the IDF in compulsory, permanent and reserve service (who have performed at least 30 days of reserve duty since the outbreak of the war) will be able to receive a free ticket as a gift (excluding taxes) to a variety of El Al destinations in Europe. In total, the company will grant tens of thousands of flight tickets worth millions of dollars (tens of millions of shekels).

The gift is being offered through El Al’s Matmid Frequent Flyer Club. Registration for the benefit is available to servicemen and women on the El Al website. In addition, all IDF service members will receive priority boarding and an in-cabin announcement expressing the airline’s gratitude at the beginning of each flight.

"El Al is an inseparable part of the Israeli story during the war, and took a significant role in the national effort. Since October 7, the company has helped thousands of reservists return to Israel, and continues to assist as a partner at the hostage family headquarters,” says Nadav Hanin, VP marketing, digital and communications at El Al.

“As a society that joined the national effort at the very beginning of the war, we feel an obligation to give back to those who contributed to our country and defence during this time. The benefit for regular and reserve IDF soldiers will enable thousands of Israelis who have given and continue to give to their country, to take some time for themselves and get some fresh air abroad."