The complete guide to all airline flight cancellations to Israel

 

The past few weeks have been significant for the aviation and tourism sector in Israel, with over twenty airlines canceling flights to Israel amid Iranian threats of retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and the more recent elimination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, followed by the Iranain attack on Israel.

In a significant development, the European Union issued an official recommendation on Saturday advising against flying in Lebanese and Israeli airspace until Oct. 31. The unusual recommendation, typically given only in exceptional circumstances, applies to flights landing, taking off, or passing through the area and is expected to have a substantial impact on air traffic in the region.

Minutes after the EU's announcement, Wizz Air and Air Europa announced flight cancellations to Israel. Air Europa canceled flights for the following day, while Wizz Air suspended flights for the next 48 hours. Other airlines are expected to make similar decisions, potentially further reducing the already limited flight options to and from Israel.

The EU's recommendation comes just days before the holiday season in Israel, during which many Israelis had planned to travel abroad. This timing could significantly disrupt travel plans for thousands of people.

Moreover, many Israelis currently abroad may face difficulties returning home. One traveler stranded in Cyprus reported, "Our flight was canceled minutes before takeoff. We're trying to find an alternative solution, but it's not cheap. We hope everything will be alright and we'll be able to return to Israel soon with minimal loss." If the cancellation trend continues, many Israelis might struggle to return from abroad in time for Rosh Hashana.

Which other international airlines have canceled flights to Israel, and until when? We've organized the information for you in an article that will be updated based on developments and decisions made by the airlines.

• United Airlines has canceled flights to Israel until further notice.
• Delta Airlines suspended its flights to Israel until December 31, 2024.
• American Airlines has canceled flights until March 2025. This means El Al is currently the sole airline operating direct flights between the US and Israel.
• KLM has announced that it would not fly to Israel until the end of the year.
• The Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, has canceled its flights until the end of October.
• Croatia Airlines has suspended its flights without specifying a return date.
• Vueling from Spain has canceled flights until January of next year, though this may change.
• Air Canada said it would not resume flights for the rest of 2024.
• Icelandair has suspended flights.
• LOT Polish Airlines has canceled flights to and from Israel until at least Oct. 3.
• Air Baltic said it has cancelled flights until Oct. 31.
• Virgin Atlantic has suspended flights until Oct. 1.
• Ryanair has canceled flights to Israel through 2024.
• Cathay Pacific has suspended flights until March 27, 2025 at the earliest.
• Air India has suspended flights to and from Israel until further notice.
• Iberia Express has extended its flight cancellations to Israel until October 4.
• The Italian airline ITA has suspended its flights for the entire month of October.
• The Dutch company Transavia has cancelled flights until March 31, 2025.
• Wizz Air has suspended flights to Israel for the next 48 hours.
• British Airways said it will resume flights to and from Israel on October 7 at the earliest.
• Azerbaijan Airlines suspended its flight to Baku on Tuesday.
• easyJet announced that it won't fly to and from Israel at least until March 29, 2025.
• Aegean said it would halt flights until Oct. 31 at the earliest.
• Emirates has suspended flights.
• Korean Air has suspended flights.
• TAP Air Portugal has suspended flights.
• Air France canceled flights until Oct. 8.
• Bulgaria Air has canceled flights until Oct. 15.
• FlyDubai won't resume flights until Oct. 6 at the earliest.

Several airlines have already resumed operations, Air Europa, TAROM, Etihad Airways, Arkia, El Al, Hainan Airlines, TUS, Bluebird Airways, Corendon Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, GullivAir, and Ethiopian Airlines.

Note: any information detailed here is subject to change. It is recommended to stay updated in real time.