The conflict between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas is approaching its first anniversary with no end in sight, and airlines that initially sought to restart services to the country are now showing doubts.
While Delta Air Lines (DAL) American Airlines (AAL) and United Airlines UAL have suspended flights to Israel and nearby Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan following the October 7, 2023 attack that left more than 1,400 Israelis dead and prompted a government military response in Gaza, but have gradually begun to resume them in the fall.
Flights disappear from booking systems, airline still not confirming
Of the three major U.S.-based airlines flying to Israel, United was the first to restart its Newark-Tel Aviv flight in February, while Delta followed soon after with its own flights. American was the last to commit to resuming its service to Israel in October 2024, but changed its mind and postponed it until at least April 2025.
More trips:
- A new travel term is sweeping the Internet (and reaching airlines and hotels)
- Top 10 Airline stocks to Buy Now
- Airlines see a new type of traveler at the front of the plane
Israeli media outlet Israeli Hayom initially reported that American Airlines flights had disappeared from airport reservation systems until that date. The airline itself has yet to confirm the decision, but previously said that while it still won't fly there directly, it will “continue to work closely with our partner airlines to assist customers traveling between Israel and European cities with service to the U.S.”
The decision follows several international airlines cancelling flights to Italy again following a fresh attack on a village in the Golan Heights that left 12 children dead in late July and raised the risk of a wider war between Israel and Lebanon.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals and news from our cruise experts.
These are some of the other airlines that cancelled their flights to Israel
Germany's flagship airline, Lufthansa (DLAKF) cancelled its flights to Tel Aviv from Frankfurt and Munich and its flight to Beirut throughout August, while Air France-KLM (AFRAF) He said he was “monitoring the situation in Lebanon in real time” and followed up shortly after.
U.S. airlines do not currently fly directly to Lebanon and are closely monitoring the situation with Israel and making adjustments based on often last-minute changes. The latest tally shows that at least 20 international airlines have canceled flights to Israel after resuming them earlier this year amid additional fears of Iranian retaliation following the July 31 assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Delta and United have suspended flights to Tel Aviv through August 31, but have not yet commented on whether they will resume service or further extend the suspension once that date passes.
“Delta flights between “Flights between New York and JFK and Tel Aviv will be suspended through August 31 due to the ongoing conflict in the region,” the airline said in a statement about the changes. “Sales for these flights are suspended. Customers affected by the schedule change will receive notifications via the Fly Delta app and the contact information listed on their reservation.
Delta also added that those needing to go to the region will still be able to do so by booking flights through Air France or Israel's flagship carrier, El Al. (ELALF) which provides the most consistent service to the country.
Related: Veteran fund manager picks his favorite stocks for 2024
