The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has prompted some airlines to cautiously resume flights to Tel Aviv and other regional destinations, while others, including major carriers like Emirates, Delta, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines, continue their suspensions. As the aviation industry navigates this uncertain landscape, here’s a comprehensive update on resumed flights, extended suspensions, and what it means for travelers.

The War’s Impact on Aviation

The Israel-Hezbollah conflict, driven by regional tensions and escalating attacks along Israel’s northern border, severely disrupted travel and aviation. Hostilities led airlines to suspend operations to Israel and neighboring regions due to safety concerns.

The recently brokered ceasefire offers a fragile stability, enabling some carriers like Wizz Air and Royal Jordanian to cautiously resume flights. However, the conflict’s ripple effects continue, with many major airlines extending suspensions as they assess ongoing risks.

Airlines Resuming Flights to Tel Aviv

Wizz Air

Wizz Air is leading the return to Israel with a phased resumption of operations. Starting December 20, it will restart flights on its Tel Aviv-Larnaca route with four flights per week. The airline is also offering the first 1,000 tickets at a promotional price of €50 (NIS 192) for one-way travel. Full operations are expected by January 15, 2025.

Royal Jordanian Airlines

Royal Jordanian resumed two daily flights to Beirut on December 1 and has reinstated regular service to Tel Aviv. These routes provide vital regional connectivity as the airline returns to full operations.

Middle East Airlines (MEA)

Lebanon’s national carrier is ramping up its flight schedule, with plans to fully restore services by December 12. MEA will operate 32 additional flights between November 28 and December 3, expanding capacity to over 30 destinations.

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL)

AZAL start its daily Baku-Tel Aviv route on November 30. This critical connection aims to boost tourism and business exchanges between Azerbaijan and Israel.

Israir

Israir is preparing to launch direct flights from Tel Aviv to New York as early as January 2024, pending legislative changes in Israel to waive compensation requirements for cancellations and delays during wartime.

Major Airlines Extending Suspensions

While some airlines resume flights, many major players remain cautious and have extended their suspensions.

What Travelers Need to Know

1. Resumed Flights Offer Hope
   The gradual return of airlines like Wizz Air, Royal Jordanian, and MEA signals optimism for travelers eager to visit Tel Aviv and neighboring regions. These resumptions provide key connections for both leisure and business travelers.
2. Ongoing Suspensions Reflect Caution
   Major carriers such as Emirates, Delta, and British Airways are taking a more cautious approach, extending their suspensions due to security concerns. This impacts long-haul travelers, particularly those from the U.S., Europe, and the Gulf.
3. Tourism Faces Challenges
   The Middle East’s booming tourism sector has taken a hit, with safety concerns affecting traveler confidence. While nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have invested heavily in developing world-class tourism hubs, the ongoing instability poses challenges to these ambitions.

A Balancing Act for Airlines

Airlines resuming flights are balancing the need to reconnect the region with ongoing security risks. While Wizz Air and AZAL are leading the charge in restoring services, the extended suspensions by giants like Emirates and Delta highlight the fragile nature of the current situation.

Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules and remain flexible as conditions evolve. For now, the gradual resumption of flights offers a glimmer of hope for recovery in a region striving to regain stability and connectivity.