United Airlines Resumes New York to Tel Aviv Flights

WASHINGTON- United Airlines (UA) announced on Saturday that it will resume flight services from New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv (TLV) starting June 5, 2025. This makes UA the second U.S. carrier to reinstate services to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) following a recent security incident where a Houthi ballistic missile struck the airport.

The airline’s decision came after a thorough evaluation of operational conditions in the area and collaboration with its flight attendants’ and pilots’ unions.

United Airlines, like many foreign carriers, had previously suspended its flights from New York’s Newark Airport (EWR) to Tel Aviv on May 4, 2025, due to safety concerns stemming from the missile strike.

The missile landed near Terminal 3, sparking immediate safety concerns within the industry.

This incident underscored the significant security risks confronting commercial aviation in the region, necessitating that airlines prioritize safety for their passengers and crews.

Flight Cancellations

Since the May 4 incident, foreign airlines have continually extended cancellations for flights to and from Israel, resulting in many Israelis stranded abroad and disrupted vacation plans.

The extensive service suspensions have caused considerable inconvenience for travelers aiming to visit Israel during the important summer travel season.

The popular low-cost airline Ryanair (FR) has announced an extension of its suspension of services to Tel Aviv until July 31, joining British Airways (BA) in avoiding the destination for most of the peak summer season.

This followed a statement from Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary expressing frustration over the ongoing security disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), contemplating rerouting aircraft to other destinations.

European Carriers

The Lufthansa Group, which includes airlines such as SWISS (LX), Austrian Airlines (OS), Brussels Airlines (SN), and Eurowings (EW), announced it would be extending cancellations until at least June 15, moving from the previously set date of June 8.

This decision reflects broader concerns within the European aviation industry about operating in the current security landscape.

Additionally, airlines such as Latvian AirBaltic (BT), easyJet (U2), Iberia (IB), and Transavia (HV) have also extended their flight suspensions since May 4, highlighting the extensive repercussions of the security incident on international aviation links to Israel.

Airlines Resume Flights to Tel Aviv

Some of the few international airlines recommencing flight services to Israel include Delta (DL), Air France (AF), Wizz Air (W6), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Etihad Airways (EY), and Aegean Airlines (A3).

These airlines have assessed that security conditions now permit safe operations, although they will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation.

The selective resumption illustrates the differing risk evaluations airline companies perform when deciding on operations in areas with significant security concerns.

Ongoing Conflict

Foreign airlines have fluctuated between canceling and resuming flights in response to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip that erupted following the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023.

This inconsistency in service levels highlights the unpredictable security situation affecting commercial aviation in the region.

The persistent security menace, characterized by rocket and drone attacks from Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and Iraq, along with barrages from Iran, creates continuous operational challenges.

These threats compel airlines to regularly review their risk tolerances and operational strategies within the region.

Israeli Airlines Gain Dominance

The withdrawal of many foreign carriers has allowed Israeli airlines, particularly El Al (LY), to operate with near-monopoly conditions on certain routes, thereby increasing ticket prices.

With diminished competition, travelers are confronted with limited options and higher costs when flying to and from Israel.

By resuming services, United Airlines offers added capacity and competition on the pivotal New York-Tel Aviv route, potentially leading to more choices and better pricing as summer approaches.

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