A United Airlines flight lands at Ben-Gurion International Airport. March 31, 2025. (Photo: Yossi Aloni/Flash90)
Since the outbreak of the Hamas-initiated Gaza War on Oct. 7, 2023, airlines have exercised caution in resuming service to Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. Although many carriers had lifted earlier travel bans, a missile launched by the Houthis from Yemen May 4 – landing near the airport and narrowly missing the main check-in area – prompted several airlines to once again suspend operations to Israel.
This triggered a ripple effect, stranding many passengers mid-journey as they were en route to Israel, while others scrambled to find a way home. In response, Israeli carriers launched emergency initiatives to assist the affected travelers.
According to aviation and tourism attorney Ehud Fai, passengers may not be eligible for financial compensation if the airline can demonstrate that the cancellation was necessary due to a wartime security emergency – such as the missile striking near Ben Gurion Airport.
Fai clarified and said passengers are still eligible for a refund or different ticket. “Even in such cases, the airline is still obligated to offer passengers either a replacement ticket or a full refund, based on the passenger’s choice, as well as assistance services such as hotel accommodation and meals until the alternate flight departs.”
Travelers are advised to closely monitor airline updates on cancellations and service resumptions. For example, the Lufthansa Group is offering free cancellations or rebookings to affected passengers. Those booking with Israeli carriers should also verify whether their flight is being operated by a leased foreign aircraft.
Travelers are advised to purchase ticket insurance from Israeli carriers, which offers a refund option in the event of a cancellation. Those currently stranded abroad should check that their travel insurance coverage is extended. While some insurers are extending coverage automatically, passengers should confirm this directly with their providers.
According to Ynet News, as of Wednesday morning, the following airlines have suspended service to Israel. Below are the dates through which these suspensions are expected to remain in effect:
• United Airlines: through May 9, inclusive. According to Reuters, disruptions may continue through May 11
• Delta Air Lines: through May 20, inclusive. Reuters reported possible disruptions through May 25
• Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings): through May 11.
• Air France: through May 13, inclusive.
• British Airways: through May 15, inclusive.
• Ryanair: through May 11, inclusive.
• Wizz Air: through the morning of May 8.
• Air Europa: through May 7, inclusive.
• Italy’s ITA Airways: through May 11, with two additional flights canceled on May 12.
• Air India: through May 8, inclusive.
• Iberia: through Tuesday, inclusive.
• LOT Polish Airlines: through May 8, inclusive.
• Transavia: through May 13, inclusive.
• Aegean Airlines: through May 13, inclusive.
• Ethiopian Airlines: through May 7, inclusive.
• HiSky: canceled flights to Chisinau on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
• AirBaltic: canceled flights from May 7 to May 11 and suspended ticket sales through May 18.
• Air Seychelles: flights on May 7 will land in Larnaca, from which Arkia will operate connections to and from Tel Aviv. Passengers will receive boarding passes in Cyprus and luggage will be transferred directly to the final destination. They may choose to change flight dates free of charge or request a full refund.
