The Lufthansa Group announced Monday that it’s extending the suspension of all flights to and from Israel until June 15, citing ongoing instability in the Middle East. The group includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings.
“Lufthansa Group regrets the inconvenience caused to its customers due to the situation and continues to monitor developments in the Middle East closely. Passenger and crew safety remains our top priority,” the airline said. Affected passengers can rebook or cancel their tickets free of charge.
The German carrier joins a growing list of international airlines prolonging flight suspensions to Israel amid ongoing security risks. French carrier Air France is suspending all flights to and from Israel through May 26, while British Airways has extended its suspension until July 31.
In contrast, Greek national carrier Aegean Airlines resumed flights to Israel last Wednesday. Aegean had halted operations at Ben Gurion Airport following a Houthi missile strike earlier this month.
Israeli airline Arkia also announced plans to begin weekly direct flights to the Seychelles starting June 20, stepping in after Air Seychelles canceled all Israel routes through August.
Delta Air Lines resumed its daily nonstop service between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv last Monday. “The decision to resume flights, temporarily suspended due to the ongoing security situation, followed a comprehensive risk assessment,” the U.S. carrier said.
“Delta continues to monitor regional developments and adjusts operations according to security guidance and intelligence reports.”
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
Footage of Houthi missile hitting close to Ben Gurion Airport
Other airlines suspending flights to Israel:
• United Airlines: Through June 13
• Air Seychelles: No flights until at least August
• Ryanair: Through June 11
• LOT Polish Airlines: Through May 26
• ITA Airways (Italy): Through May 25
• Air India: Through May 25
• Iberia: Through May 31
• Iberia Express: Through June 1
• Transavia: Through June 2
• AirBaltic: Through June 2
• easyJet: Extended its suspension through June 30. The UK low-cost carrier hasn’t flown to Israel since October 2023. Passengers booked for June are being notified of refund and rebooking options.
Air Canada, which had planned to resume Tel Aviv service in June, announced it will not return to the Israeli 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.
2 View gallery
Israeli travelers heading to Ben Gurion Airport after Houthi missile hit
(Photo: Jack GUEZ / AFP)
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.”
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.
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.