The Lufthansa Group—which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings—announced Thursday that it is extending its suspension of flights to Israel through June 8. Lufthansa had previously planned to resume service on May 26.
The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and said those affected can rebook or cancel their flights at no extra cost. Several Lufthansa Group flights to and from Tel Aviv have been temporarily removed from the June schedule, including flights LH682/683, LH690/691 and OS859/860.
Meanwhile, U.S. carrier Delta Airlines resumed its daily nonstop flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv on Monday. Delta said the decision followed a thorough risk assessment and that the airline continues to monitor the security situation closely and adjust operations based on intelligence reports and safety guidelines.
Air France is expected to announce Tuesday whether it will extend its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv or resume its Paris route. The airline, like many other international carriers, halted flights to Ben Gurion Airport after a Houthi missile struck the area earlier this month.
Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air, which resumed flights to Israel last week, is celebrating its 21st anniversary with a week of promotions. On Tuesday, the airline offered up to 21% off for bookings made via its website or app.
In contrast, several airlines are beginning to reinstate flights. Greek airline Aegean Airlines announced it will resume service to and from Israel starting May 19. Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air said it will restart operations on Thursday. Air Europa also resumed flights to Ben Gurion Airport this week after a brief suspension.
Footage of Houthi missile hitting close to Ben Gurion Airport
Airlines that have suspended or delayed flights to Israel:
• United Airlines – through June 13
• Air Seychelles – suspended until at least August
• Ryanair – through June 4
• LOT Polish Airlines – through May 26
• British Airways – through June 14
• ITA Airways (Italy) – through May 25
• Air India – through May 25
• Iberia – through May 31
• Iberia Express – through June 1
• Transavia – through May 20
• AirBaltic – through June 2
Greek carrier Aegean Airlines, which was set to resume flights Monday, canceled at the last minute. It's currently unclear when or if it will restart service to Israel.
British budget airline easyJet, grounded since October 2023, has again postponed its return and will not fly to or from Tel Aviv until at least June 30. The airline said passengers with June bookings have been notified and can request refunds or alternative flights. "We continue to monitor the security situation in Israel closely," the company said.
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Israeli travelers heading to Ben Gurion Airport after Houthi missile hit
(Photo: Jack GUEZ / AFP)
Ethiopian Airlines canceled two flights — one from Addis Ababa to Tel Aviv and one in the opposite direction (ET404 and ET415).
Air Canada, which had planned to resume service to Israel in June, announced it will not be returning to the market for the foreseeable future.
Are passengers entitled to compensation?
Aviation and tourism attorney Ehud Fai explained that passengers may not be entitled to monetary compensation if the airline can prove that the cancellation was required due to a wartime security emergency — such as the missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport.
Are refunds or replacement flights still required?
“Yes,” Fai clarified. “Even in such cases, the airline is still obligated to offer passengers either a replacement ticket or a full refund, based on the passenger’s choice, as well as assistance services such as hotel accommodation and meals until the alternate flight departs.”
What should travelers do now?
Travelers should carefully follow airline announcements regarding cancellations or service resumptions. The Lufthansa Group, for instance, is offering affected passengers free cancellations or rebookings. Those booking tickets with Israeli carriers should check whether the flight is operated by a leased foreign aircraft.
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Travelers are encouraged to purchase “ticket insurance” from Israeli carriers, which provides a refund option in case of cancellation. Those currently stranded abroad should ensure their travel insurance is extended. Some insurers are doing this automatically, but passengers should confirm with their providers.