LOD, Israel, May 29 (Reuters) - El Al Israel Airlines swung to a net profit in the first quarter, boosted by strong demand at a time when foreign carriers have halted or curtailed flights to Israel because of the conflict with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

El Al, Israel's flag carrier, on Wednesday said it earned $80.5 million in the January-March period, versus a $34.4 million loss a year earlier. Revenue rose 48% to $738 million. (Reporting by Steven Scheer Editing by David Goodman )