Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air announced Tuesday evening that it will resume flights to and from Israel starting this Thursday. The carrier had suspended operations last Sunday, along with several other international airlines, after a Houthi ballistic missile struck Ben-Gurion Airport.
Air Europa, another airline that paused its flights for just over a week, also resumed service to Tel Aviv on Monday.
Airlines that have suspended flights:
United Airlines: Suspended flights until June 13 (inclusive).
Delta Airlines: Suspended until May 20 (inclusive), with potential disruptions through May 25, according to Reuters.
Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings): Suspended until May 18. From May 19–31, night and early morning flights are canceled. Daytime flights remain under ongoing assessment.
Air France: Suspended until May 15.
British Airways: Suspended until June 14.
Ryanair: Suspended until May 21.
ITA Airways: Suspended until May 19.
Air India: Suspended until May 25.
Iberia: Suspended until May 13.
LOT Polish Airlines: Suspended until May 18.
Transavia: Suspended until May 16.
Aegean Airlines: Suspended until May 16.
Air Baltic: Suspended until May 20.
Ethiopian Airlines: Canceled two specific flights between Tel Aviv and Addis Ababa (ET404 and ET415) between May 12 and 21.
Air Canada: Previously scheduled to resume flights in June, but has now announced it will not resume operations in Israel.
Passenger rights and possible compensation
According to aviation and tourism attorney Ehud Pei, airlines may be exempt from paying compensation if they can prove that cancellations were due to extraordinary security events, such as the missile strike at Ben-Gurion Airport.
Houthi rocket hit in the Ben Gurion Airport
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However, passengers are still entitled to alternative flights or full refunds—at their discretion—as well as basic support services like hotel accommodations and meals until their rescheduled flight.
What travelers should know
Passengers are advised to closely monitor airline announcements about cancellations or resumed operations. For instance, Lufthansa Group is allowing affected passengers to cancel or rebook flights at no extra cost.
Those purchasing tickets from Israeli carriers should check whether the flight is operated by a chartered aircraft. Additionally, it's recommended to buy ticket protection options—sometimes called “Ticket Shield” or “Protect”—which can guarantee a refund in case of cancellation.
Travelers currently stranded abroad should consider extending their travel insurance coverage. Some insurers automatically offer extensions, but travelers should confirm the details directly with their provider.