Delta Air Lines is poised to restart its flights to Tel Aviv, joining a cohort of airlines reviving their routes to Israel.
The carrier will recommence service between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on June 7, as per Delta’s announcement. Operating daily, the route will be serviced by an Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.
Delta emphasized that the decision to resume flights on June 7, 2024, follows a comprehensive security evaluation conducted by the airline. It continues to closely monitor the situation in Israel in collaboration with governmental and private-sector partners.
Like many global carriers, Delta suspended its services to Israel in October 2023 amid escalating tensions in the region, spurred by the conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
This decision to resume operations aligns with United Airlines’ recent move in March to relaunch flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Tel Aviv. However, in April, United temporarily halted flights to Israel once again due to security concerns stemming from tensions between Israel and Iran, according to Reuters.
A United spokesperson confirmed to Travel + Leisure that the airline will resume flights on June 6.
Though Delta itself hasn’t flown to Israel, its codeshare partner, EL AL Israel Airlines, has maintained operations between Israel and the United States.
In light of ongoing security concerns, the U.S. Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to “reconsider travel” to both Israel and the West Bank due to “terrorism and civil unrest,” while also advising against travel to Gaza “due to terrorism and armed conflict.”
The State Department emphasized the unpredictable security situation, urging U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and heighten their security awareness. It noted that security incidents, such as mortar and rocket fire, often occur without warning.
Additionally, the State Department highlighted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are engaged in “large-scale military operations in Gaza,” and reiterated that routine or emergency consular services are unavailable to U.S. citizens in Gaza due to travel restrictions imposed on U.S. government employees.