Etihad Airways and El Al Israel Airlines launch codeshare network

Codeshare flights are available to book now for flights from 18 July 2021 onwards

Etihad Airways and El Al Israel Airlines have launched a joint codeshare network and loyalty agreement for frequent flyers.

The initiative follows the MOU that the airlines signed in 2020 following the Abraham Accords signed by the UAE and Israel.

Available to book now for flights from 18 July 2021 onwards, El Al will add its ‘LY’ code to Etihad’s existing twice-weekly service between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. This new partnership will extend Etihad’s network to include destinations in Australia, Bahrain, India, Korea, the Philippines and Seychelles from 1 August 2021.

Subject to approvals, in the next phase of extending the codeshare agreement, Etihad will offer passengers an additional 14 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the US by adding its ‘EY’ code to El Al flights.

The loyalty programmes of both airlines will also be linked as part of the agreement. Members of the Etihad Guest and Matmid programmes will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights across both carriers’ networks.

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Etihad Aviation Group group chief executive officer Tony Douglas said: “We’re very pleased to be able to announce the launch of our codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with El Al. This partnership will provide additional choice and connectivity for both carriers’ guests, and a range of benefits for frequent travellers between and beyond our respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.”

El Al Israel Airlines chief executive officer Avigal Soreq added: “This is the first commercial partnership that El Al has established following the Abraham Accords.  This is an important milestone as this codeshare will bring growing benefits to our passengers and to our respective airlines and countries. The El Al and Etihad teams have a common goal in this partnership, and we look forward to seeing it grow in the future.”