United Airlines Halts Flights to Tel Aviv Amid Rising Regional Tensions
United Airlines has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv until May 2nd at the earliest, citing security concerns stemming from recent military escalations between Iran and Israel. The decision reflects the complex challenges airlines face as they navigate the volatile geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Immediate Flight Suspensions
United's suspension affects its daily roundtrip services between Newark Liberty International Airport and Ben Gurion Airport, utilizing the Boeing 787-10 aircraft. This route, which offers 4,452 weekly seats, has been a key link between the United States and Israel. The airline had also planned to increase its service with additional flights over the weekends in May, a plan now postponed until at least May 18th.
As the situation unfolds, United Airlines joins other American carriers such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which have also paused their operations to Israel. Currently, El Al remains the sole provider of direct flights from the U.S. to Israel.
Broader Airline Industry Impact
The escalating conflict has prompted several international airlines to reevaluate their operations in the region. KLM, Air Canada, easyJet, and Turkish Airlines have announced flight cancellations extending into the near future, with resumption dates varying from June to as far out as March 2025 for Turkish Airlines. Meanwhile, carriers like Air India, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Wizz Air continue to operate with adjustments to their schedules on specific days.
Delta Air Lines has indicated plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv on June 7th, following a comprehensive security risk assessment. This decision comes after suspending flights in October 2023 due to previous conflicts. Delta maintains connectivity through its codeshare partnership with El Al, linking several U.S. airports directly to Tel Aviv.
Navigational Adjustments for Safety
The current geopolitical tensions have also affected flight paths for airlines operating in the vicinity of the conflicted area. Carriers such as SAS and Qantas have adjusted their routes to avoid Iranian airspace, reflecting the broader implications of regional instability on global aviation routes.