Sunday, May 18, 2025

Major international airlines including American, Emirates, Delta, Air France, United, and Air Canada have grounded flights to Israel as escalating regional tensions and security threats trigger a widespread freeze in air travel ahead of the summer season. The coordinated pause reflects growing safety concerns following recent missile activity and instability near Israeli airspace, prompting carriers across North America, Europe, and Asia to extend or enforce suspensions into the peak travel months. As a result, global connectivity to Israel faces its most significant disruption in years, with travelers and tourism operators bracing for ongoing uncertainty.

The ripple effects of this airspace disruption are already being felt by travelers and the tourism sector, with airlines postponing services well into the summer and in some cases, until fall. Here’s a comprehensive look at which airlines have suspended their routes, along with the latest return-to-service timelines.

The suspension of flights follows continued regional instability, with multiple missile threats, air defense engagements, and localized security alerts impacting the safety and predictability of flights near Israel’s airspace. The May 4 missile incident near Ben Gurion Airport raised global concerns and led to the latest cascade of suspensions.

Airlines are acting on updated risk assessments and aviation advisories. Many nations have updated travel warnings, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Israel and surrounding areas until further notice.

This wave of suspensions marks one of the most significant disruptions in Israel-bound international travel since late 2023. With summer 2025 expected to be a rebound season for global tourism, Israel’s incoming tourist economy and outbound traveler plans face considerable setbacks.

What Travelers Should Do

Airlines Currently Operating Flights to Israel

Despite the widespread suspensions, a handful of carriers continue limited operations:

• (select routes)
• Georgian Airways
• Tus Airways
• Smartwings

American, Emirates, Delta, Air France, United, Air Canada, and other major airlines have suspended flights to Israel due to escalating regional tensions and security risks. The widespread flight freeze disrupts summer travel plans as carriers prioritize passenger safety amid ongoing instability.

The current flight freeze marks a major disruption in Israel’s air connectivity, especially with key summer months approaching. With over two dozen major airlines grounding services, travelers are urged to stay informed, flexible, and prepared for ongoing changes. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as carriers assess safety and geopolitical developments.

Let me know if you’d like a table format or graphic summary of the suspension dates.