El Al cancels Tel Aviv-Hanoi flight route after Shin Bet denies security authorization

Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsAccording to the airline, it sought permission from Israel's security establishment to operate the flights but was told it could not obtain the required authorizations to run the route.Follow us on GoogleEl Al plane takes off at the Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, August 4, 2026; Illustrative.(photo credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)ByTZVI JASPERAUGUST 17, 2026 10:44El Al canceled a planned flight route between Tel Aviv and Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, after it couldn't obtain security approval from the Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency), the airline announced on Thursday.According to the airline, it sought permission from Israel's security establishment to operate the flights but was told that it was not possible to grant the airline the permits necessary to fly the route using Israeli crew and planes.El Al apologized to customers, offering to reimburse canceled flights with replacement flights to other locations, connecting flights to Hanoi with alternate airlines, or full refunds in the form of cash or vouchers.El Al plane takes off at the Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, May 24, 2026. (credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)The route was scheduled to launch in October.El Al announces new routes to Asian, European countriesEl Al had announced the route in February, alongside new routes to Manila, Seoul, Sardinia, Sicily, Switzerland, and Croatia.According to El Al's announcement at the time, the new routes would "provide an optimal solution for business travelers and will strengthen economic ties between Israel and Asia."Esther Davis contributed to this report.Follow us on Google