El Al to gift free plane tickets for European destinations to IDF soldiers

El Al, Israel’s flag carrier airline, announces it will be gifting free plane tickets to various locations in Europe to IDF soldiers in a show of appreciation for their service amid the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.

“As a company that enlisted in the national effort at the very beginning of the war, we feel it is our obligation to give back to those who contributed to the country and our defense during this period,” the airline company says in a statement.

Soldiers in both regular and reserve service will be eligible for a free plane ticket if they have served 30 days or more in active service since October 7, El Al adds.

Soldiers who meet the criteria must also be members of the free-to-join “Matmid” frequent flyer club, but can join at any time if they are not prior members, the airline adds.

The tickets will include a pre-selected seat and luggage, and they will be able to be used on a flight departing Israel any time between May 5, 2024 and February 17, 2025.

Eligible soldiers will be able to select one of the following locations as their destination: