Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, August 14, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Friday, August 14, 2026
El Al cancels launch of direct flights to Hanoi, citing ‘lack’ of security approval
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An El Al plane takes off at the Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, August 4, 2026. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)
El Al announces it’s cancelling the planned launch of direct flights from Israel to Vietnam’s capital Hanoi later this year, citing the “lack of necessary approval” from security officials.
The airline says that customers who already bought tickets can either fly to Hanoi by way of Bangkok, choose another final destination or receive a refund.
Travelers looking to fly directly to Hanoi from Israel can still do so with fellow Israeli carrier Arkia.
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