Major international airlines including American, Emirates, Delta, Air France, United, and Air Canada have grounded flights to Israel as escalating regional tensions and security threats trigger a widespread freeze in air travel ahead of the summer season. The coordinated pause reflects growing safety concerns following recent missile activity and instability near Israeli airspace, prompting carriers across North America, Europe, and Asia to extend or enforce suspensions into the peak travel months. As a result, global connectivity to Israel faces its most significant disruption in years, with travelers and tourism operators bracing for ongoing uncertainty.

The ripple effects of this airspace disruption are already being felt by travelers and the tourism sector, with airlines postponing services well into the summer and in some cases, until fall. Here’s a comprehensive look at which airlines have suspended their routes, along with the latest return-to-service timelines.

Full List of Airlines Suspending Flights to Israel

North America

• American Airlines – Suspended until September 2025
• United Airlines – Suspended through June 12, 2025
• Delta Air Lines – Suspended through May 19, 2025
• Air Canada – Initially set to return June 8, now pushed back to September 8, 2025

Europe

• British Airways – Suspended through June 14, 2025
• Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) – Suspended through May 25, 2025
• Air France – Suspended through May 20, 2025
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – Suspended through May 30, 2025
• EasyJet – Suspended through June 30, 2025
• Iberia Express – Suspended through May 31, 2025
• Aegean Airlines – Suspended through May 19, 2025
• LOT Polish Airlines – Suspended through May 25, 2025
• ITA Airways – Suspended through May 19, 2025; including flight cancellations on May 19
• Transavia – Suspended through May 20, 2025
• AirBaltic – Suspended through May 20, 2025
• Ryanair – Suspended through June 4, 2025
• Virgin Atlantic – Suspended until October 2025
• TAROM (Romania) – Suspended through May 20, 2025
• Vueling – Suspended indefinitely
• Air Europa – Suspended through May 7, 2025

Middle East and Asia

• Emirates – Suspended indefinitely
• Etihad Airways – Still operating limited routes
• FlyDubai – Operating reduced capacity
• Qatar Airways – Service status unclear; subject to rapid updates
• Turkish Airlines – Operating with adjusted schedules but no full suspension yet
• Air India – Suspended through May 25, 2025
• Cathay Pacific – Suspended until October 2025
• Korean Air – Suspended indefinitely
• Hainan Airlines – Limited flights reportedly operating
• Azerbaijan Airlines – Continuing some service
• Smartwings – Limited operations
• Georgian Airways – Some routes still active
• Tus Airways – Continuing operations with reduced frequency

Key Timeline Highlights

• Most suspensions extend into late May or early June, though some carriers like British Airways, United, Air Canada, and Virgin Atlantic have delays extending into September or October 2025.
• Several low-cost carriers and regional airlines have joined the wave, intensifying pressure on available seats for essential travel.
• El Al, Israir, and Arkia remain the primary Israeli carriers maintaining international operations, though even their capacity is limited.

Why Are Flights Being Suspended?

The suspension of flights follows continued regional instability, with multiple missile threats, air defense engagements, and localized security alerts impacting the safety and predictability of flights near Israel’s airspace. The May 4 missile incident near Ben Gurion Airport raised global concerns and led to the latest cascade of suspensions.

Airlines are acting on updated risk assessments and aviation advisories. Many nations have updated travel warnings, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Israel and surrounding areas until further notice.

Global Travel Impact and Outlook

This wave of suspensions marks one of the most significant disruptions in Israel-bound international travel since late 2023. With summer 2025 expected to be a rebound season for global tourism, Israel’s incoming tourist economy and outbound traveler plans face considerable setbacks.

• Tourism operators and travel agencies are reporting mass rescheduling and cancellation requests.
• Airfares on active routes have surged due to supply strain.
• Alternative hubs in Cyprus, Jordan, and Turkey are witnessing redirected traveler flows.

What Travelers Should Do

• Check with your airline for real-time updates and refund or rebooking options.
• Monitor embassy travel advisories and avoid non-essential travel if applicable.
• Consider alternative airports in neighboring countries if urgent travel is required.
• Expect further extensions of suspensions if the security situation remains volatile.

Airlines Currently Operating Flights to Israel

Despite the widespread suspensions, a handful of carriers continue limited operations:

• El Al
• Arkia
• Israir
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Azerbaijan Airlines
• FlyDubai
• Etihad Airways (select routes)
• Hainan Airlines
• Georgian Airways
• Tus Airways
• Smartwings

American, Emirates, Delta, Air France, United, Air Canada, and other major airlines have suspended flights to Israel due to escalating regional tensions and security risks. The widespread flight freeze disrupts summer travel plans as carriers prioritize passenger safety amid ongoing instability.

The current flight freeze marks a major disruption in Israel’s air connectivity, especially with key summer months approaching. With over two dozen major airlines grounding services, travelers are urged to stay informed, flexible, and prepared for ongoing changes. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as carriers assess safety and geopolitical developments.

Let me know if you’d like a table format or graphic summary of the suspension dates.

The post American, Emirates, Delta, Air France, United, Air Canada and More Ground Flights to Israel as Global Carriers Hit Pause on Summer Travel Amid Escalating Tensions: Check the Full List appeared first on Travel And Tour World.