Air France has officially reinstated its nonstop daily flights connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) after a brief suspension in early May 2025. This move stands in sharp contrast to several other major European carriers, such as British Airways and the Lufthansa Group, which continue to suspend or postpone services to Israel citing ongoing security concerns stemming from the conflict involving Hamas in the region.

Background: Conflict and Impact on Air Travel

Since the escalation of hostilities in the region, including missile strikes near Ben Gurion Airport, international aviation operations have faced significant challenges. According to Israel’s Ministry of Transportation and the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the security situation around Ben Gurion Airport led to heightened safety protocols and advisories for airlines. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also issued guidance urging airlines to assess risks carefully and monitor ongoing developments before resuming or continuing flights to Israel.

The result was a widespread and immediate reaction from airlines worldwide. Many carriers halted flights or reduced operations due to concerns for passenger and crew safety. This disruption has affected the important air corridors connecting Israel with Europe and beyond, impacting both business and leisure travel.

Air France’s Decision to Resume Flights

After a four-week hiatus starting in early May, Air France announced it would resume direct flights from Paris to Tel Aviv using its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which seat 328 passengers. This decision followed an extensive reassessment of the current security landscape conducted in collaboration with Israeli aviation authorities and ongoing monitoring of the situation on the ground.

The French national carrier emphasized that the decision was based on comprehensive risk evaluations and adherence to updated aviation safety standards, as outlined by international bodies including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and EASA. Air France’s move aims to reassure travelers that passenger safety remains paramount, even as the airline cautiously reestablishes its presence in this strategically important route.

Government and Aviation Authority Statements

The Israeli Ministry of Transport expressed optimism about Air France’s return, highlighting that “the resumption of flights by a leading international carrier signifies renewed confidence in the safety and operational stability of Ben Gurion Airport.” Official statements from the Israeli CAA reinforced that enhanced security protocols around the airport, including missile defense systems and rapid emergency response measures, have been effective in mitigating risks to aviation operations.

Meanwhile, the French Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) has maintained close communication with Air France to ensure compliance with all safety guidelines and has supported the airline’s return on the Paris-Tel Aviv route as conditions permitted.

The Wider European Airline Response

In contrast to Air France, British Airways (BA) has extended its suspension of flights to Israel until the end of July 2025. The British flag carrier’s management cited ongoing security risks and logistical challenges in ensuring crew safety as primary reasons. While alternative operational models—such as crew stopovers in third countries—were explored, they were deemed financially and operationally impractical.

BA’s suspension has significantly impacted the busy Tel Aviv–London corridor, leading to increased fares and capacity shortages. Other airlines serving the corridor have adjusted schedules and capacity to accommodate the temporary market gap.

The Lufthansa Group, encompassing Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, and Eurowings, has also postponed plans to restart flights to Tel Aviv until at least mid-June 2025. The group issued a unified statement emphasizing that “passenger and crew safety remain the highest priority amid ongoing regional uncertainties,” reinforcing their commitment to flexibility in passenger travel plans, including fee waivers for cancellations and rescheduling.

Industry Impact and Passenger Considerations

The partial resumption of flights by Air France provides a vital air link for travelers between Israel, Europe, and international destinations connected through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. CDG serves as one of Europe’s largest aviation hubs, offering seamless connectivity to over 300 destinations worldwide, including major cities across North America, Asia, and Africa.

For business travelers and tourists alike, Air France’s move helps restore critical connectivity after months of fragile and uncertain service. However, the broader airline industry remains divided in its approach to Israel amid the conflict. Several carriers from North America and the Middle East have either resumed or expanded their services, while others maintain suspensions or scaled-back operations.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) continues to monitor the situation closely, advising airlines to follow government and local authority guidelines strictly. They also stress the importance of passenger communication and flexibility in booking policies during periods of uncertainty.

Looking Forward: Stability and Recovery

The Israeli government is actively encouraging international airlines to return to Ben Gurion Airport to restore normalcy and boost tourism and trade. According to Israel’s Ministry of Tourism and official government releases, the country is investing heavily in security infrastructure at airports and public transport hubs to ensure traveler safety.

Officials hope that the gradual resumption of flights by major carriers like Air France will signal broader confidence in Israel’s aviation safety environment, encouraging more airlines to restore services and stabilize schedules.

For travelers planning trips to Israel, official advice from both the Israeli government and European aviation authorities is to stay updated on flight statuses, follow safety instructions issued by airlines, and register with their respective embassies for travel advisories and assistance.

Summary

• Air France resumes direct Paris-Tel Aviv flights after a month-long pause, citing thorough security reassessment.
• British Airways extends its suspension of flights until end of July 2025 due to security and logistical concerns.
• Lufthansa Group delays resumption of Tel Aviv services until mid-June 2025, prioritizing safety.
• Israeli government and aviation authorities affirm enhanced security measures at Ben Gurion Airport.
• Air France’s return is vital to restoring air connectivity between Israel and Europe via Paris-CDG hub.
• Mixed airline responses reflect ongoing regional instability; passenger safety remains paramount.

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