United Airlines Resumes New York to Tel Aviv Flights

WASHINGTON- United Airlines (UA) announced on Saturday that it will recommence flight services from New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv (TLV) starting June 5, 2025. This makes it the second US carrier to resume operations at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) following a ballistic missile incident that hit the airfield earlier this month.

The airline’s decision to resume flights comes after a thorough evaluation of operational factors in the region and extensive discussions with unions representing pilots and flight attendants.

United Airlines, like many other international airlines, suspended its services between New York’s Newark Airport (EWR) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on May 4, 2025.

This action followed a missile strike from Yemen that affected a nearby area of Israel’s main international airport, raising immediate safety concerns within the aviation sector.

The missile landed in a grove near Terminal 3, several hundred meters from the airport’s control tower, underscoring the persistent security threats to airlines operating in this region.

These concerns have compelled carriers to prioritize the safety of their passengers and crew, leading to service interruptions.

Among the many foreign airlines that have recently extended the suspension of their flights to and from Israel after the May 4 incident are the popular low-cost airline Ryanair (FR) and British Airways (BA), with Ryanair extending its suspension until July 31, aligning with ongoing security apprehensions.

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, expressed frustration over the ongoing security disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport, suggesting potential reallocations of aircraft to other destinations.

Flight Cancellations

The ongoing cancellations have stranded numerous travellers during an essential summer travel period, contributing to significant disruptions for those intending to visit Israel.

As airlines actively evaluate the security landscape, flights remain problematic due to the heightened risks involved in operations in the region.

European Carriers

The Lufthansa Group, which encompasses airlines such as SWISS (LX) and Austrian Airlines (OS), has also extended its flight cancellations to Israel until at least June 15, influenced by widespread concerns regarding safety within the European aviation market.

Carriers that have similarly suspended flights include Latvian airline AirBaltic (BT) and easyJet (U2), showcasing the extensive impact that security issues have had on international aviation connections to Israel.

Airlines Resume Flights to Tel Aviv

Some airlines such as Delta (DL) and Air France (AF) have resumed flight operations to Israel as conditions have been deemed sufficiently secure for safe travel.

This selective resumption underscores the diverse risk assessments performed by airlines in deciding on their operational capabilities amid fluctuating security conditions.

Ongoing Conflict

Flight operations have frequently fluctuated since the outbreak of conflict in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, emphasizing the dynamic security environment that impacts commercial aviation.

With pervasive threats stemming from various regional actors, including rocket and drone attacks, airlines have been compelled to adjust their risk assessments continuously.

Israeli Airlines Gain Dominance

The departure of foreign airlines from certain routes has allowed Israeli carriers like El Al (LY) to capture significant market share, resulting in elevated ticket prices due to reduced competition.

United Airlines’ decision to restart services is anticipated to enhance capacity on the critical New York-Tel Aviv route, offering travellers more choices and potentially competitive pricing during the upcoming summer season.

Stay updated with us and join our social media pages for the latest information.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates and follow us on Google News.