Major airlines suspend flights to Israel as Middle East conflict grows

Delta, United and many other major airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv as regional conflict with Israel intensifies. The suspensions are expected to last through early 2025 for some carriers, leaving travelers scrambling to adjust their plans.

Delta Airlines announced it is suspending all flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv until at least March 31, 2025. The airline cited the ongoing violence and security concerns as the reasons for its decision. Travelers who purchased tickets before that date are eligible for travel waivers, the airline said in a statement.

United Airlines has also cancelled flights to Tel Aviv for the “foreseeable future,” while American Airlines has canceled its flights to the region until March 2025. The suspensions leave El Al, Israel’s national airline, as one of the few still offering direct flights between the U.S. and Israel.

The cancellations came in response to the broader conflict in the region, which began after a large-scale attack by Hamas on Israel. The conflict has since expanded as Hezbollah fires rockets into Israel from Lebanon. With the situation becoming more volatile, airlines have been forced to reevaluate their operations in the area.

U.S. officials have urged Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to food and essentials has become increasingly difficult amid the ongoing fighting. Despite this, violence continues to escalate, with no clear end in sight.