Lufthansa Extends Suspension of Tel Aviv Flights Until June 22

Key Takeaways

• Lufthansa Group suspends all Tel Aviv flights until at least June 22, 2025, due to security risks.
• Missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, 2025, triggered ongoing flight suspensions.
• Passengers get free rebooking or full refunds; some airlines like United, Air France resume flights.

The Lufthansa Group’s Suspension of Tel Aviv Flights: What Travelers Need to Know

On June 3, 2025, the Lufthansa Group announced it would extend its suspension of all flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until at least Sunday, June 22, 2025. This decision affects all airlines under the Lufthansa Group umbrella, including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. The move comes after a new assessment of the security situation in the region, following a missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, 2025. The suspension, which was initially set to end on June 15, has now been extended by at least one week, highlighting ongoing concerns for passenger and crew safety.

This article explains what this means for travelers, the reasons behind the decision, the practical steps affected passengers should take, and the broader impact on the region and the aviation industry.

Why Did Lufthansa Group Extend the Suspension?

The main reason for the continued suspension is ongoing security concerns. On May 4, 2025, a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels landed near Ben Gurion Airport. This incident led almost all major international airlines, including the Lufthansa Group, to immediately suspend flights to Israel 🇮🇱. Since then, the security situation has remained unstable, with the risk of further attacks still present.

According to statements from the Lufthansa Group, the decision to extend the suspension was made after a careful review of the current risks. The safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority. As reported by VisaVerge.com, aviation security experts believe that Lufthansa’s cautious approach reflects not only concern for safety but also the requirements of insurance companies and the need to follow strict risk assessments in volatile regions.

Which Airlines and Flights Are Affected?

The suspension covers all flights operated by the following Lufthansa Group airlines:

• Lufthansa
• SWISS
• Austrian Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Eurowings

This means that no flights by these airlines will operate to or from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until at least June 22, 2025. Some additional flights between June 15 and June 30, 2025, have also been canceled. The suspension period may be extended further if the security situation does not improve.

Other international airlines have responded differently. United Airlines will resume service to Tel Aviv on June 5, 2025, and Air France resumed flights on May 27, 2025. This shows that airlines are making their own decisions based on their risk assessments, insurance policies, and government advisories.

How Does This Affect Passengers?

For travelers, the suspension means continued disruption to travel plans. All affected passengers are being notified by the Lufthansa Group through their registered contact details. Here’s what you need to know if your flight is affected:

1. Notification:
Lufthansa Group is contacting all passengers whose flights are canceled. Make sure your contact details are up to date on the airline’s website to receive timely updates.

2. Rebooking:
If your flight is canceled, Lufthansa will try to rebook you automatically on an alternative flight, if available. You can check and adjust your booking through the Lufthansa website or chatbot. If you prefer, you can also contact your travel agent for assistance.

3. Refunds:
If the rebooked flight does not suit your needs, you can request a full refund. Refunds can be requested through the original booking channel or directly on the Lufthansa website. There are no fees for rebooking or refunds due to these cancellations.

4. Travel Agent Assistance:
Travel agents can process rebookings, reissues, and refunds for tickets issued by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, or Brussels Airlines. Agents should follow the Lufthansa Group’s Schedule Change/Irregularity Policy for guidance.

5. Stay Updated:
Before heading to the airport, always check the status of your flight on the Lufthansa website. Keep your contact information current to receive the latest notifications.

Step-by-Step Guide for Affected Passengers

To help travelers manage their bookings during this period, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

• Check your email and phone for notifications from Lufthansa Group.
• Log in to the Lufthansa website to view your current booking status.
• If your flight is canceled, review the rebooking options provided by the airline.
• If you prefer a refund, request it through the original booking channel or the Lufthansa website.
• Contact your travel agent if you booked through one, as they can assist with changes and refunds.
• Monitor the Lufthansa travel information page for the latest updates on flight status and policies.

For official updates and to manage your booking, visit the Lufthansa official website.

What About Short-Term Cancellations?

Sometimes, flights are canceled within 48 hours or up to 5 days before departure. In these cases, rebooking or reissuing tickets can be done without a waiver, making the process easier for both passengers and travel agents.

What Should Travel Agents Do?

Travel agents play a key role in helping affected passengers. They can:

• Process rebookings and refunds for tickets issued by Lufthansa Group airlines.
• Follow the Schedule Change/Irregularity Policy for guidance on handling cancellations.
• Advise clients to keep their contact details updated and to check the Lufthansa website for the latest information.

Impact on Israeli Tourism and Business

The continued suspension of flights by the Lufthansa Group has a significant impact on Israel’s 🇮🇱 tourism and business sectors. Reduced international connectivity means fewer tourists and business travelers can enter or leave the country. While some airlines are starting to resume flights, the slow return to normal service makes it harder for businesses and the tourism industry to recover.

However, the gradual resumption of flights by airlines like United Airlines and Air France offers some hope. As more airlines reassess the security situation and restart services, international travel to and from Israel 🇮🇱 may slowly improve.

Why Are Airlines Making Different Decisions?

Not all airlines are responding to the security situation in the same way. While the Lufthansa Group has chosen to extend its suspension, others like United Airlines and Air France are resuming flights. This difference is due to several factors:

• Risk Assessments: Each airline conducts its own review of the security situation, often with input from government agencies and security experts.
• Insurance Requirements: Airlines must meet the conditions set by their insurers, which may differ from one company to another.
• Operational Priorities: Some airlines may have a higher tolerance for risk or different strategies for serving key markets.
• Government Advisories: Airlines often follow the advice of their home country’s government regarding travel to certain regions.

Expert Perspectives on the Suspension

Aviation security experts say that Lufthansa Group’s decision to keep flights suspended, even as some competitors resume service, shows a very careful approach to safety. The airline is likely considering not just the immediate risk of attacks but also the broader instability in the region. Industry analysts add that insurance companies may require airlines to avoid certain airports or regions if the risk is too high.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that Lufthansa’s approach is shaped by a mix of safety concerns, insurance rules, and the need to protect its reputation. The airline’s decision may also influence other carriers, as the industry often looks to major players like Lufthansa Group when making their own choices.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

The current situation began on May 4, 2025, when a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck near Ben Gurion International Airport. This event led almost all major international airlines to suspend flights to Israel 🇮🇱. In the weeks that followed, the Lufthansa Group repeatedly extended its suspension as the security situation remained uncertain.

Other airlines have started to return, but the Lufthansa Group has chosen to wait until it is confident that it is safe to resume operations. This cautious approach is not new; airlines often suspend flights to regions experiencing conflict or instability until they are sure that the risk has decreased.

What Happens Next?

The Lufthansa Group will continue to monitor the security situation in Israel 🇮🇱 and conduct regular risk assessments. The airline has not ruled out further extensions of the suspension if the situation does not improve. Passengers should be prepared for possible changes and stay informed through official channels.

Other airlines may also adjust their schedules based on their own assessments and government advice. The situation remains fluid, and travelers should be ready for sudden changes.

Practical Advice for Travelers

If you are planning to travel to or from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, here are some practical tips:

• Book flexible tickets that allow changes or refunds without extra fees.
• Register your contact details with your airline to receive timely updates.
• Check your flight status regularly on the airline’s website before heading to the airport.
• Consider alternative routes or airlines if your preferred carrier is not operating.
• Stay informed by following official airline and government travel advisories.

For the latest travel advice and official updates on entry requirements to Israel 🇮🇱, you can visit the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Summary Table: Lufthansa Group Tel Aviv Flight Suspension

Key Takeaways for Passengers and Stakeholders

• The Lufthansa Group has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until at least June 22, 2025, due to ongoing security concerns.
• Passengers can rebook once free of charge or request a full refund for canceled flights.
• Travel agents can assist with rebookings and refunds following the Lufthansa Group’s policies.
• Other airlines are making their own decisions, with some resuming flights to Tel Aviv.
• The situation remains uncertain, and further changes are possible.

Stay Safe and Informed

The safety of passengers and crew is always the top priority for airlines. The Lufthansa Group’s decision to extend its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport reflects a careful approach to risk in a challenging environment. Travelers should stay alert, use only official channels for updates, and be prepared for further changes as the situation develops.

For more information, visit the Lufthansa official website and the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest travel and immigration updates.

By staying informed and flexible, travelers can better manage the challenges caused by these disruptions and make the best decisions for their journeys.

Learn Today

Lufthansa Group → A major European airline network including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, and Eurowings carriers.
Ben Gurion Airport → Tel Aviv’s main international airport and key travel hub in Israel.
Flight Suspension → Temporary halt of flight operations due to safety or operational concerns.
Rebooking → Assigning passengers to alternative flights at no additional cost after cancellations.
Ballistic Missile → A weapon launched into a high arced trajectory that can travel long distances, threatening regional security.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Lufthansa Group extends its Tel Aviv flight suspension to June 22, 2025, after a missile attack nearby. Passengers face disruption but have options for free rebooking or refunds. Other airlines are resuming flights, reflecting varying risk assessments amid ongoing regional instability.
— By VisaVerge.com