In response to rising tensions in the Middle East, U.S. airlines like Delta, United, and American have suspended flights to Tel Aviv. The suspensions come amid growing fears of Iranian retaliation against Israel following the death of a Hamas leader.
While these moves are framed as precautionary security measures, the timing has sparked questions about whether airlines are implicitly boycotting Israel during this volatile period. The indefinite halt affects major routes, with travelers now forced to find alternative means to reach Israel.
🚨#Breaking: Major airlines abandon Israel’s Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport🚨
Passengers express fear of Israeli pager bomb terror attacks. All flights cancelled:
Delta, United, Ryanair American, Lufthansa, BritishAir, Lufthansa, Air India, AirFrance+15more.
Developing story👇 pic.twitter.com/7384mgxzjr— Ana M. Fuentes (@FearlessFriends) September 19, 2024
Delta and United both paused flights after briefly resuming them earlier this summer. Delta’s route from New York’s JFK International Airport to Tel Aviv was halted through at least August 2, with the airline citing evolving security conditions and intelligence reports.
United Airlines suspended its Newark-to-Tel Aviv service, stating that passenger safety remains the top priority.
BREAKING NEWS WORLD ALERTS ⚠️
Multi-Situation is On going in Lebanon – Isreal Borders – as Regions are calling it's citizens to leave-
â– Some airlines canceled flights already-
â– Footage of Tanks,Iron dome circulating suggesting they are headed to the Border of Lebanon- I… https://t.co/RPKkhmIsDt pic.twitter.com/iK95ydb4Et— MÉ™anL¡LMə♡₩ (@MeanLILMeoW) July 28, 2024
These moves follow broader cancellations by international airlines, including Lufthansa, which stopped its Tel Aviv flights after crews refused to fly into the region. Lufthansa flights were rerouted or canceled altogether due to escalating tensions.
While airlines frame the cancellations as necessary for safety, the timing has led some to speculate about whether the decisions are politically motivated or part of a broader boycott effort against Israel.
With U.S. and European airlines suspending operations, Israeli airline El Al is among the few still offering flights. This has led to inflated ticket prices and limited travel options for passengers trying to reach Israel.
The situation remains fluid as airlines assess security risks, but with continued conflict, the possibility of extended suspensions looms large. For now, American travelers are left either rebooking through El Al or rerouting through foreign airlines, while the global travel industry watches closely.
