WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Airlines is set to become the first American carrier to resume flights to Israel since the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, 2022. The airline announced plans to resume daily flights from New York/Newark to Tel Aviv in March. This decision marks a significant milestone in the recovery of air travel to Israel after the suspension of flights by American carriers in the wake of the attacks.
The first two flights, scheduled for March 2 and 4, will include a stop at Munich International Airport in Switzerland to ensure that all service providers are prepared to support non-stop service to and from Newark. United Airlines aims to fully resume daily nonstop service to Israel on March 6, playing a crucial role in restoring passenger and cargo services to the region.
Before the October 7 attacks, United Airlines operated nonstop flights to Tel Aviv from its hubs in San Francisco, Washington Dulles, and Chicago O’Hare. However, the airline does not plan to restart these flights until at least the fall. American Airlines and Delta also suspended flights to Israel after the attacks, with Delta recently announcing plans to resume flights on May 1.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby stated that the decision to resume flights to Israel came after tireless collaboration between security experts, government officials, and aviation industry professionals. The airline has worked diligently to develop protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees and customers. Additionally, non-American airlines, including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Aegean, and Air France, have also begun resuming flights to Tel Aviv.
The resumption of flights to Israel by United Airlines represents a significant step forward in the recovery of air travel to the region, signaling a return to normalcy and a commitment to maintaining safe and reliable service for passengers and cargo. As travel restrictions continue to evolve, the airline industry’s response to geopolitical challenges is critical in shaping the future of international travel.