El Al's Sao Paulo departure highlights carrier's stagnation

El Al's cancellation of its thrice-weekly flights between its Tel Aviv base and Sao Paulo's Guarulhos Airport come after the carrier began the route two years ago. It has cited high fuel and security costs as reasons for its termination.

Over the past few months, a variety of initiatives have been taken by El Al to reverse its weakening financial position. Temporary staff will be jettisoned, fuel-inefficient aircraft will be retired and second bag charges have been imposed on some routes. But despite these efforts, profitability remains elusive.