United Airlines resumes Tel Aviv flights as first US carrier post-Middle East tensions

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United Airlines resumes Tel Aviv flights as first US carrier post-Middle East tensions

Policy

United Airlines | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Jul 12, 2025

United Airlines is set to resume flights to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport on July 21, 2025. This makes it the first US carrier to return to Israel following recent tensions in the Middle East. The decision comes ten days earlier than initially planned due to an easing of regional conflicts.

The airline's service to Israel has been inconsistent since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. The latest suspension was a result of tensions between Israel and Iran. United now joins other international carriers planning to resume flights soon.

Flights were halted on July 12 when Israeli and Iranian forces exchanged missile fire, causing cancellations across the Middle East and airspace closures by several countries. Initially, United intended to pause flights until at least July 31 but decided on an earlier resumption. Flights will operate twice daily from Newark Liberty International Airport using Boeing 787-10 aircraft.

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In a statement, United Airlines said: "This resumption is in line with United’s longstanding commitment to serving Tel Aviv. Throughout 2025, United has flown to Tel Aviv more than any other U.S. airline. United service to Tel Aviv always follows a detailed assessment of operational considerations in the region and close consultation with the unions representing our flight attendants and pilots."

United resumed flights on March 15 after a nine-month suspension but faced interruptions due to regional instability. Delta Air Lines also experienced disruptions, having resumed its service on April 1 but suspending again multiple times due to ongoing tensions.

American Airlines has not operated flights to Israel since October 2023 and has no current plans for resumption. Meanwhile, El Al and Arkia continue offering flights between the US and Israel.

The European Aviation Safety Agency recently lifted restrictions on flights to Israel following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, allowing many European carriers like Wizz Air, Aegean, Lufthansa Group, and Air France to announce their return.