International Carriers Resume Flights to Israel Amid Stabilized Situation

As the situation in Israel stabilizes following months of uncertainty, a number of major international carriers are set to resume flights to Israel in the coming months. Airlines like British Airways, Delta, and Ryanair are among the first to restart services, signaling a return to normalcy after a turbulent period marked by conflict with Hamas and other regional tensions.

The first sign of recovery came with United Airlines' return flight from Newark, New Jersey, which landed at Ben Gurion Airport on Saturday, with a return flight scheduled later that same day. This marks a turning point after several months of flight cancellations triggered by the violent outbreak following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

The outbreak of hostilities led to numerous foreign airlines suspending their services to Israel due to concerns over security, especially with the threat of rocket and drone attacks originating from Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. Israeli airlines, primarily El Al, were left with a near-monopoly on international flights, leading to sky-high ticket prices during this period of reduced competition.

However, with the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in January 2024, and a lull in fighting with Lebanon, the situation began to improve. Some airlines have announced their intention to resume flights, with Delta Air Lines set to restart its Tel Aviv-New York route on April 1. Other major carriers like British Airways, Ryanair, and Air Baltic are also set to return to Israel in the coming weeks.

As Israel prepares for what is expected to be one of its busiest travel months in recent years, with Passover approaching, the surge in flights is expected to bring significant traffic to Ben Gurion Airport. The Israel Airports Authority predicts that 1.8 million passengers will pass through the airport in April, representing a 65% increase from the previous year.

Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev expressed optimism about the return of international flights, emphasizing the importance of a safe and efficient aviation system. “The opening of Terminal 1, the return of dozens of carriers, and the records expected on Passover are part of our efforts to ensure easy, safe, and accessible flights for the public,” Regev said in a statement.

With 50 airlines now expected to operate flights to and from Israel next month, the recovery of Israel’s aviation sector is well underway, offering a positive outlook for the country’s tourism and business sectors in the coming months.