El Al Suspends Flights to Moscow Amid Security Concerns
El Al, Israel's national airline, has temporarily suspended its flights between Tel Aviv and Moscow, citing "developments in Russia's airspace." This decision follows the recent crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Kazakhstan, which is suspected to have been caused by a missile strike during its approach to Grozny, Russia.
The suspension affects El Al's five weekly flights on this route. The airline plans to reassess the situation next week to determine whether to resume operations.
El Al is renowned for its stringent security measures, both on the ground and onboard its aircraft. These procedures have earned it the reputation of being one of the world's most secure airlines.
Key security features of El Al's fleet include:
Anti-Missile Defense Systems: All El Al commercial jets are equipped with laser-based Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) to protect against heat-seeking surface-to-air missile attacks. This technology was implemented following a 2002 incident where an Israeli passenger plane was targeted by missiles in Kenya.
Reinforced Cockpit Doors: The cockpits in all El Al aircraft have double doors to prevent unauthorized entry. Access requires a code, and the second door opens only after the first has closed and the individual has been identified by the captain or first officer.
Undercover Security Personnel: On every international El Al flight, undercover agents carrying concealed firearms are seated among the passengers. These agents are indistinguishable from regular travelers and are trained to respond to potential threats.
These comprehensive security measures reflect El Al's commitment to passenger safety, especially when operating in regions with heightened risks.