Travel Guide: Flying to Israel – What You Need to Know

United Airlines, known for its ambitious post-pandemic expansion, quickly announced its return to Tel Aviv, becoming the first U.S. carrier to do so. Commencing operations on March 2, United strategically chose Munich International Airport as a stopover to ensure safe operations before transitioning to daily flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The move underscores United’s commitment to expanding its network to unique destinations while navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, took a more cautious approach, conducting an extensive security risk assessment before announcing its return to Tel Aviv. Scheduled to resume daily flights from JFK on June 7, Delta emphasized its commitment to monitoring the situation in Israel closely in collaboration with government and private-sector partners. Despite delays, Delta’s decision to resume services reflects a balancing act between operational considerations and passenger safety.

Meanwhile, American Airlines, though the first to announce its return to Tel Aviv, faced setbacks leading to the postponement of its flights to October. Reports suggest a shortage of widebody aircraft as one of the reasons for the delay, although it wasn’t confirmed as the official reason by Simple Flying. Nonetheless, American Airlines remains steadfast in prioritizing the safety of its crew and passengers, underscoring the complexities airlines face in resuming services amidst uncertain geopolitical climates.