Several major international airlines have extended their suspension of flights to and from Israel, following security concerns that began earlier this month. The extensions come after a May 4 missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport, attributed to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The event triggered widespread caution across the aviation sector.
Extended flight suspensions: updated dates by airline
Here’s a breakdown of the updated suspension dates as announced by each airline:
- British Airways – Flights to Israel suspended through June 14.
- Delta Air Lines – All flights to Tel Aviv paused through May 19.
- United Airlines – Suspension extended through May 18.
- Lufthansa Group – Including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, all flights halted until May 18.
- Air France & Transavia – Flights remain canceled through May 13.
- Aegean Airlines – Service to Tel Aviv suspended through May 16.
- LOT Polish Airlines – Flights suspended until at least May 18.
- Ryanair – Flights canceled through May 21.
- Air India – Operations to Israel on hold until May 25.
- ITA Airways – Service suspended through May 18; some flights on May 19 also affected.
- Iberia Express – Suspension extended until May 31.
Passengers affected by these changes are advised to check with their airline directly for refunds, alternative routes, or future scheduling updates.
Flights that remain operational
While many international carriers have grounded flights, several airlines continue to operate routes into and out of Ben Gurion Airport:
- El Al
- Arkia
- Israir
- Flydubai
- Etihad Airways
- Blue Bird Airways
- Tus Airways
- HiSky
- Azerbaijan Airlines
- Georgian Airways
- Cyprus Airways
- Electra Airways
- Hainan Airlines
- Smartwings
- TAROM
- Ethiopian Airlines
These carriers continue to monitor the situation but have, for now, kept regular operations between Tel Aviv and their respective hubs.
Ongoing uncertainty surrounding air travel to Israel
The decisions by airlines to suspend flights come in response to elevated regional risks. For travelers, the unpredictability has disrupted travel plans and business operations alike. Many passengers are now opting to postpone trips or reroute through nearby countries.
The Israeli Airports Authority has not issued blanket flight bans but acknowledges that each airline is making its own decision based on internal safety assessments and insurance limitations. International carriers are expected to continue evaluating the situation daily.
What passengers should do
Anyone with upcoming travel to or from Israel is urged to check directly with their airline before heading to the airport. Policies vary by company, and the situation remains fluid. In many cases, airlines are offering free changes, travel credits, or full refunds for canceled flights.
Travelers should also stay updated through official airline websites and advisories from their national foreign ministries.
Note: This information reflects airline policies and flight schedules as of May 12, 2025. Further adjustments are possible based on developments on the ground.