TEL AVIV— El Al Israel Airlines (LY) CEO Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia has announced her resignation, marking the end of a turbulent yet financially successful tenure. The airline confirmed that she will step down by December 31, 2025, allowing for a structured leadership transition.
Appointed during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Ben-Tal Ganancia navigated El Al through pandemic recovery, geopolitical unrest, and temporary airspace closures at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV).
Photo: IATA AirlinesEl Al Israel Airlines CEO to Resign
Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia, who took over as CEO of El Al Israel Airlines (LY) in April 2022, is set to leave after over three years in the top position.
Her leadership coincided with one of the most critical periods in the airline’s history, spanning from post-COVID recovery to the Israel–Iran conflict, which disrupted flight operations across the region.
Under her direction, El Al reported record-breaking profits. This financial upswing was partially driven by reduced foreign airline activity to and from Israel due to security concerns, which boosted El Al’s market share.
Despite this profitability, the airline came under public criticism for rising airfares — attributed to high demand and a limited supply of international flights.
The outgoing CEO previously served as El Al’s VP of Commercial and Industry Affairs and as Director of Revenue Management, giving her nearly two decades of experience within the company.
She cited the complexity and sensitivity of managing El Al as key reasons for announcing her resignation in advance, allowing time for a comprehensive CEO search and a seamless handover.
Photo: By Davidi Vardi Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113420866Achievements Under Ben-Tal Ganancia’s Leadership
Ben-Tal Ganancia played a pivotal role in reshaping El Al during her tenure:
- Labor Reform: She led negotiations to modernize labor agreements, enhancing operational flexibility and workforce productivity.
- Fleet Modernization: The CEO secured strategic supply agreements for advanced aircraft, aligning with long-term growth goals.
- Network Expansion: El Al added several international routes, increasing connectivity despite a volatile regional environment.
- Customer Focus: The airline emphasized improved passenger experience, signaling a shift in brand strategy and service delivery.
Her ability to navigate macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges while pushing for internal reforms earned her recognition within Israel’s aviation sector, despite public scrutiny over pricing policies.
Photo: By Martin Oertle – El Al Israel Airlines Boeing 737-858 4X-EKA, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58303303Strategic Succession Planning
Ben-Tal Ganancia officially informed the board of directors of her intention to step down by the end of 2025.
This extended notice period supports El Al’s goal of conducting a thorough and stable executive search.
She emphasized the importance of continuity and the need to uphold El Al’s national and operational significance during the transition.
Her exit strategy reflects a commitment to safeguarding the airline’s stability during uncertain times.
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The post El Al Israel Airlines CEO to Resign After 3 Years appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
