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More Airlines Suspend Flights to Tel Aviv as Conflict Escalates - Focus on Travel News

Published 1 day ago3 minute read

Flights to Tel Aviv continue to face widespread disruptions as major airlines extend or implement new suspensions amid intensifying regional tensions.

Lufthansa Group and Italian national carrier ITA Airways have confirmed that their scheduled return to Tel Aviv operations on May 25 has now been postponed until June 8.

The extension of the comes in response to heightened security concerns following an exchange of attacks between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi group. Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, made the decision on Tuesday alongside ITA Airways.

Other carriers have also followed suit. Greek airline Aegean has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv until May 21, while LOT Polish Airlines has extended its pause until May 25. Meanwhile, British Airways has halted operations to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport through June 14. Air Canada has gone even further, announcing that it will not resume flights to Israel until at least September 8.

The growing list of airlines avoiding Israeli airspace reflects mounting instability in the region, especially after ongoing threats to aviation and shipping in nearby maritime corridors. The conflict, primarily centered around Israel and Gaza, has been aggravated by Houthi-led disruptions extending across the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.

According to the latest available reports, nearly 53,600 people have died in Gaza since the start of the Israeli offensive, which has drawn condemnation and support from different geopolitical blocs. The Houthis have justified their attacks on commercial targets as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, extending their influence beyond Yemen and into broader regional affairs.

A number of international carriers have altered their flight schedules to Israel due to perceived threats. Here is a summary of key suspensions:

AirlineRoute StatusExpected Resumption
Lufthansa Group (including Swiss, Austrian Airlines, etc.)SuspendedJune 8
ITA AirwaysSuspendedJune 8
Aegean AirlinesSuspendedMay 21
LOT Polish AirlinesSuspendedMay 25
British AirwaysSuspendedJune 14
Air CanadaSuspendedSeptember 8

With multiple international carriers pausing service to Israel, travelers are urged to check their airline’s official websites or contact customer service for the latest updates. Refunds, rebooking options, or travel vouchers may be available depending on each airline’s policy.

Government advisories from countries including the U.S., U.K., and Canada continue to urge citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Israel and surrounding regions, with some advising against non-essential travel altogether. Travelers currently in the area are encouraged to remain alert and follow updates from their respective embassies and local authorities.

As the situation remains volatile, future decisions regarding airspace use and commercial flights will likely depend on diplomatic developments and shifts in regional security assessments. For now, the ripple effects of the conflict continue to disrupt both regional connectivity and international travel plans.

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