British low-cost airline easyJet has extended its suspension of flights to Israel until at least March 29, 2026, citing persistent security concerns in the region.
easyJet, the UK-based budget airline, has announced a significant extension of its flight suspension to Israel, now in effect until March 29, 2026. This move marks the longest operational freeze by a foreign airline since the onset of regional hostilities involving Iran, as reported by the Israeli business daily Globes.
Initially planning to resume operations in June 2025, easyJet pushed back its return multiple times due to escalating instability. The suspension of its winter flight schedule follows heightened tensions after a Houthi missile attack on May 4, and more notably, the 12-day conflict with Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion, which erupted on June 13.
According to JNS, passengers impacted by the cancellations are eligible for full refunds or complimentary rebooking options. The withdrawal leaves Israel’s skies primarily served by its own carriers — El Al, Arkia, and Israir — which continue to operate high-demand international routes once covered by easyJet, such as London (Luton), Amsterdam, Berlin, Basel, Geneva, and Milan.
The move also places easyJet in contrast with a growing list of European airlines that have recently resumed service to Israel. Within the past week, Air Europa (Spain), Aegean Airlines (Greece), and LOT Polish Airlines have restarted flights to Tel Aviv, following Air France’s decision to resume operations. In parallel, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has extended its own suspension, citing the “ongoing security situation” despite briefly restarting flights earlier this year.
In the U.S., United Airlines is preparing to relaunch its Newark-Tel Aviv route next week, a development expected to drive down ticket prices. Delta Air Lines has plans to resume its service by September, while American Airlines remains inactive on the route since October 2023.
This comes even as the European Aviation Safety Agency lifted all airspace restrictions on Israel, suggesting a mixed sentiment in the international aviation community. Notably, Ben-Gurion International Airport processed nearly 60,000 travelers across 370 international flights on Monday alone, numbers close to pre-war levels, according to the Israel Airports Authority.
easyJet’s extended absence underscores the fragile security landscape and highlights the divergent risk assessments airlines are making in response to the still-volatile region.
