In the months following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, nearly every major international airline suspended service to Ben Gurion International Airport. With Israel’s airspace periodically closed and the region under active conflict, carriers from the United States, Europe, and Asia halted flights indefinitely. Only Israel’s three main airlines—El Al, Israir, and Arkia—continued limited operations, connecting the country to the world during one of its most challenging times.
Image via Lappin Foundation
As the war has drawn to a close and security conditions have stabilized, global carriers are beginning to return to Israel’s skies. The reopening of air routes marks a significant step toward restoring international travel access for business, tourism, and visiting families.
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
U.S. Airlines Resuming Flights
Among American carriers, United Airlines was among the first to confirm its return, restoring service between Newark and Tel Aviv after a prolonged suspension. The airline, which had previously carried a large share of U.S.–Israel traffic, resumed operations with cautious optimism and limited schedules that are expected to expand in the coming months.
Delta Air Lines has also reinstated its popular nonstop route between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv. The airline’s return brings back daily service, reconnecting New York travelers with Israel after nearly a year of absence. American Airlines, which had exited the market altogether earlier in the conflict, is set to resume its own JFK–Tel Aviv flights in 2026, marking a full comeback of all three major U.S. carriers to Israel.
European Airlines Return to Israel
The wave of resumed service extends across Europe as well. British Airways has announced the restoration of daily flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, a key route for both business and leisure travelers. Iberia has resumed its Madrid–Tel Aviv connection, while Swiss International Air Lines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and Lufthansa have each confirmed plans to restart operations. Lufthansa Group carriers are expected to scale back up gradually, with full schedules targeted by late 2025.
Other European airlines, including Air France, KLM, and Austrian Airlines, are in the process of reviewing their own timelines for return as travel demand continues to rebound.
A Boost for Travelers to Israel
The resumption of international service comes as welcome news to travelers, especially those planning trips for family, business, and kosher-friendly vacations. During the height of the conflict, airfares to and from Israel soared due to the limited supply of flights operated by local carriers. With more airlines now returning, travelers can expect improved seat availability, competitive pricing, and greater scheduling flexibility.
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism and the Israel Airports Authority have noted that the gradual return of global airlines signals renewed confidence in the country’s stability and its tourism infrastructure. For frequent visitors, this development means that the familiar gateways from New York, London, Zurich, Madrid, and Frankfurt are once again viable and accessible.
The Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
With the skies above Israel once again open, airline operations are returning to normalcy after nearly two years of severe disruption. El Al, Israir, and Arkia, which sustained essential service throughout the war, now share the airspace once more with their international counterparts. As airlines continue to rebuild schedules and passenger demand grows, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport is on track to regain its role as one of the region’s most connected international hubs.
Source: dansdeals.com