Several major international airlines continue to suspend flights to and from Israel amid ongoing regional security concerns, while a handful have cautiously resumed service.
French carrier Air France has extended the suspension of all its flights to and from Israel through May 26, while British Airways will continue its suspension until at least July 31. These decisions follow the recent Houthi missile strike that targeted Ben Gurion Airport earlier this month, prompting renewed caution among foreign carriers.
Greece’s Aegean Airlines resumed flights to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, becoming one of the first European carriers to restore service after halting operations due to the incident. Israeli airline Arkia also announced it will begin weekly direct flights to the Seychelles starting June 20, following Air Seychelles' suspension of its Israel route through August.
In the U.S., Delta Air Lines resumed its daily nonstop route from New York’s JFK Airport to Tel Aviv on Monday. The airline stated that the decision followed a comprehensive risk assessment and that it continues to monitor the situation closely.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa Group—which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings—extended its flight suspensions to Israel through June 8. Several of the group’s June flights to and from Tel Aviv have also been removed from schedules.
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Additional carriers maintaining cancellations include United Airlines (until June 13), Ryanair (until June 11), LOT Polish Airlines (through May 26), ITA Airways and Air India (through May 25), Iberia (until May 31), Iberia Express (until June 1), Transavia and Air Baltic (through June 2). EasyJet, which halted Israel operations in October 2023, has again delayed its return to Tel Aviv, now set for no earlier than June 30.
Air Canada, previously set to resume Israel flights in June, has announced it will not restart operations at this time.
Houthi missile crashes outside Ben Gurion Airport, earlier this month
Passenger rights and refunds
According to aviation attorney Ehud Pei, passengers may not be entitled to financial compensation if airlines can prove cancellations were due to extraordinary security events. However, he emphasized that travelers are still entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight, along with assistance such as meals and hotel accommodations until departure.
Tips for travelers
Passengers are advised to monitor airline announcements closely. Lufthansa Group, for example, is offering free rebooking or cancellation for affected flights. Israeli airline customers should confirm whether their flight will be operated by an Israeli carrier or a leased foreign aircraft.
Travelers booking with Israeli airlines are encouraged to consider purchasing ticket protection plans, which provide refunds in case of cancellations. Those stranded abroad should also check whether their travel insurance covers extended stays, as some insurers automatically extend coverage during such disruptions.