The High Court of Justice rejected last week El Al's request for a temporary injunction to stop Israir from providing regular flights between Tel Aviv and New York
Justice Salim Joubran ruled, however, that the case would be heard in court by three justices no later than February 16.The court ruling means that IsrAir is free to continue preparation to serve the New York route on a regular basis.
Two weeks ago transport Minister Avraham Hirchson ruled against El Al on the matter of the profitable route, allowing IsrAir to provide regular service to New York, which had traditionally been El Al's main and most lucrative route. At present Israir provides only charter flights to New York.
The airline argued that the government's reversal will undermine public confidence, and the confidence of potential investors and workers in future privatizations - El Al was sold in mid-2004.
El Al claimed before the court that "The decision of the tourism minister, Avraham Hirchson, is illegal, and contravenes an explicit government commitment".
