El Al Israel Airlines announced the suspension of its Johannesburg route at the end of March. This decision is attributed to a significant drop in demand, which comes amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and South Africa regarding the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case on alleged Israeli human rights violations in the Palestinian territories.

The ICJ Case

The ICJ case, which South Africa initiated, accuses Israel of genocide and apartheid in its dealings with the Palestinians. These accusations have been denied by Israel, which has sparked intense debate and diplomatic friction between the two nations. 

South Africa argues that Israel's military actions, particularly in Gaza, constitute a deliberate policy of "destruction of a group," a key element of the definition of genocide. While Israel, on the other hand, insists that its actions are legitimate self-defense measures against Palestinian aggression.

The ICJ case has the potential to have significant legal and political ramifications, and El Al's decision to suspend flights to South Africa appears to reflect the uncertainty surrounding the case's outcome. The airline's spokesperson attributed the drop in demand to "the situation," suggesting that the political climate has discouraged Israelis from traveling to South Africa. This sentiment is echoed by Israeli travel agencies, who have reported declining bookings to South Africa since the ICJ case began.

An El Al spokesperson said:

"Israelis don't want to fly to South Africa. They are cancelling flights and planes are pretty empty. We understand it's the situation because it was different before."

Economic Considerations

While the ICJ case undoubtedly plays a significant role in El Al's decision, it is important not to overlook the economic factors. The airline industry has been grappling with challenges, including rising fuel costs and economic uncertainties. Like many other airlines, El Al is likely seeking to optimize its operations and prioritize routes with higher profitability.

In this context, the drop in demand for flights to South Africa may simply be a matter of economic practicality, with El Al choosing to reallocate its resources to more profitable routes.

Potential Implications

El Al's decision to suspend its South Africa route has the potential to strain further relations between the two nations, and South Africa could perceive the move as a form of economic punishment or a tacit endorsement of Israel's actions. This could lead to further diplomatic disputes and hinder efforts at rapprochement.

However, it is also possible that El Al's decision could be a temporary one, driven primarily by economic considerations. The airline has stated that it is exploring new routes, and it is conceivable that the Johannesburg route could be reinstated once the ICJ case is resolved and political tensions subside.

Politics and Economics

El Al's decision to suspend its South Africa route highlights the complex game of political and economic factors in the international arena. The ICJ case has undoubtedly contributed to the decline in flight demand between the two nations, but it is likely not the sole factor driving El Al's decision. Like any business, the airline must prioritize its financial health and make strategic decisions based on profitability.

The future of the El Al-South Africa route remains uncertain, and the outcome of the ICJ case and the evolution of bilateral relations between the two nations will play a significant role in determining whether the route is reinstated. In the meantime, El Al's decision serves as a reminder that the world of international travel is not immune to the winds of political change.