United Airlines on Saturday became the latest major carrier to suspend all flights to and from Israel, citing security concerns following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran and the immediate closure of Israeli airspace.
The suspension, effective until at least July 1, comes as international airlines scramble to adjust schedules amid rising regional tensions and the full evacuation of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
Delta Air Lines, which only resumed flights to Israel in April after a long hiatus following the October 2023 war, said it would suspend operations through August 31. “Passenger and crew safety remains our top priority,” Delta said in a statement.
Currently, only Israel’s El Al and Arkia airlines continue operating routes to the United States.
The Air France–KLM Group, encompassing both France and the Netherlands' flag carriers, halted all Israel flights “until further notice” due to security concerns and the airspace closure. Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, suspended flights to Tel Aviv through July 31. SWISS extended its suspension until October 25, citing operational challenges.
Italy’s ITA Airways canceled its planned resumption of Tel Aviv service and suspended all flights through July 31. Greece’s Aegean Airlines, which had returned to Israel prior to the Israeli strikes, also canceled flights through July 12.
Other cancellations included:
- Blue Bird Airways and TUS Airways: all flights from June 13–15.
- Ryanair: extended suspension through September 30. Last month, its CEO criticized ongoing instability and suggested relocating aircraft to other European hubs.
- EasyJet: further delayed its return to Israel, pushing back to July 31.
- Wizz Air: resumed service last month but suspended all flights until June 20.
- Transavia: recently resumed Israel flights.
- British Airways: suspended flights until July 31.
- Air Seychelles: no return before August.
- LOT Polish Airlines: suspended service through June 15.
- Air India: suspended service until July 1.
- Iberia and Iberia Express: canceled flights through June 30.
- AirBaltic (Latvia): no flights until June 23.
- Air Europa (Spain): suspended flights through June 18.
- Ethiopian Airlines: canceled flights through June 18.
- Air Canada: canceled plans to resume Israel service in June.
Legal implications and passenger rights
Adv. Ehud Pai, an expert in aviation and tourism law, explained that if an airline can prove the cancellation was caused by an extraordinary security event during wartime, it may be exempt from paying financial compensation.
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However, airlines are still obligated to provide alternative flights or full refunds, according to passengers' choice, along with assistance services such as accommodation and meals until the replacement flight departs.
Travel tips for passengers
- Closely monitor airline announcements for updates.
- Lufthansa Group offers free cancellations or rebookings for affected passengers.
- Verify whether Israeli airline flights are operated by leased aircraft.
- Consider purchasing "ticket protection" coverage to ensure refunds in case of cancellations.
- Passengers stranded abroad should verify whether their travel insurance coverage has been automatically extended by their insurance provider.