United Airlines to Resume Tel Aviv-New York Flights Ahead of Schedule Amid Easing Regional Tensions
United Airlines announced Tuesday that it will resume service between Tel Aviv and Newark/New York on July 21, advancing the relaunch by ten days from its original plan, AFP reported. The decision signals a cautious yet encouraging step toward normalization in the region’s aviation sector, following a recent reduction in hostilities between Israel and Iran.
United was one of several global airlines that suspended flights to Israel on June 13, citing airspace restrictions and heightened security concerns. The airline had previously anticipated a service suspension through July 31, but the emergence of a truce late last month appears to have paved the way for a faster return.
“This resumption is in line with United’s longstanding commitment to serving Tel Aviv,” the airline stated, according to AFP. “Our return to the route follows a detailed evaluation of operational factors and ongoing consultation with the unions representing our flight attendants and pilots.”
While United moves to reestablish its presence in the Israeli market, American Airlines has remained on hold since October 2023. A company spokesperson confirmed that there is currently “nothing new to share” regarding resumption plans, though customers may continue booking tickets through partner carriers operating to Tel Aviv via aa.com.
Meanwhile, budget airline Wizz Air also announced an earlier-than-expected restart. The Hungarian carrier will resume flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Larnaca and Budapest starting August 8, with ticket sales opening this Wednesday. The airline has indicated plans to expand its destination offerings soon after.
Adding momentum to the aviation recovery, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted all restrictions on flights to Israel as of Monday. EASA had implemented the ban in April following Iranian missile launches and a Houthi missile landing at Ben Gurion Airport, sparking heightened concern among carriers.
Other major players are expected to follow suit. Lufthansa Group has set a return date of August 1, while British Airways and ITA Airways (Italy’s flag carrier) are also preparing to reintroduce their Israel services after extended suspensions.
The resumption of international flights marks a cautiously optimistic phase in regional connectivity, as airlines navigate the balance between operational safety and the growing demand for restored travel links.
