Breakthrough: Rescue flight bellies open for cargo on strategic routes

A dramatic week in the logistics industry has come to an end. The high-profile struggle led by Amir Shani, Chairman of the Israeli Federation of Forwarders and Customs Clearing Agents, has concluded successfully, and the cargo capacity of rescue flights for both imports and exports will be utilized for transport starting this coming Sunday.

As mentioned, just days after sending an urgent warning letter regarding a "breaking point" in the industry, Amir Shani published a letter of appreciation and recognition today (March 19) to the Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat and the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Shmuel Zakai, for their rapid response in regulating the utilization of cargo capacity on flights to and from Israel.

In his letter, Shani noted: "On my behalf and on behalf of the community of importers, exporters, and international freight forwarding companies, I would like to express our deep appreciation for the quick and positive response to our request. We greatly value the systemic vision and the understanding that at this time, regulatory flexibility is the key to maintaining the functional continuity of the Israeli economy."

The decision came following the personal intervention of Minister of Economy Nir Barkat. Shani thanked the Minister for his "personal involvement and crucial assistance in promoting the issue and regulating it with the Civil Aviation Authority," emphasizing that the move is "an important milestone not only in assisting the export sector but also, and primarily, in the joint struggle against the cost of living," by increasing supply and reducing shipping costs.

El Al Prepares for Execution: First Flights on Sunday

In parallel with the regulatory approval, El Al Cargo published an official notice to the market stating that starting Sunday, March 22, 2026, it will be possible to transport cargo on passenger flights operating as part of the rescue network. In the first stage, approval was granted for the following strategic routes:

- New York: Import and Export.
- London: Import and Export.
- Bangkok: Import only.

El Al clarifies that in light of the accumulation of cargo in recent days, a heavy load is expected with the opening of the lines. The company is reinforcing its service and operational systems to release the bottlenecks that have formed in the warehouses. At the same time, due to the sensitive security situation, there is currently an absolute ban on transporting hazardous materials on these flights.

"We see you as full partners in the success of this move, which will operate throughout the war period," Amir Shani wrote in his letter. "The results of the approval will prove its long-term effectiveness for the benefit of Israeli industry and the economy."