Israel's Competition Authority has announced its intention to declare El Al as a monopoly for flights in and out of the country from October 2023 through May 2024, following a sharp rise in its market share after foreign airlines suspended operations. The regulator plans to impose a fine of NIS 121 million, citing 'excessive and unfair' ticket price increases during the wartime period, with average fares rising by about 16 percent and some routes seeing hikes of up to 31 percent. El Al has disputed the findings, arguing that the pricing analysis is flawed and unprecedented, and will present its defense at an upcoming hearing.