Key Takeaways
• British Airways suspends flights to Israel until August 1, 2025, due to security concerns including missile attacks.
• Other airlines like Air France, Lufthansa, and United Airlines also suspend flights, while Delta resumed service in May 2025.
• Passengers have rights to refunds or rebooking but no extra compensation if cancellations stem from extraordinary security events.
British Airways Extends Israel Flight Suspension Through July 2025: What Travelers and Immigrants Need to Know
British Airways has announced it will suspend all flights to and from Israel until at least August 1, 2025, extending a previous suspension that was set to end in mid-June. This decision, made public on May 23, 2025, comes after a series of security incidents in the region, including a recent missile strike at Ben Gurion Airport. The move has significant effects on travelers, immigrants, and anyone with ties to Israel or the United Kingdom. Here’s what you need to know about the British Airways flight suspension, how it fits into a broader pattern among international airlines, and what it means for passengers and the wider community.
Why Did British Airways Suspend Flights to Israel?
British Airways, one of the United Kingdom’s largest airlines, said the main reason for the extended suspension is ongoing security concerns. In a statement, the airline explained, “We continually monitor operating conditions and have made the decision to suspend our flights to and from Tel Aviv, up to and including 31 July. The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our priority. We’ve apologised to our customers for the inconvenience.”
The immediate cause for this latest extension was a ballistic missile strike by Yemen’s Houthi forces earlier in May 2025. The missile hit near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway, causing injuries and major travel disruptions. This incident led many international airlines to reconsider their operations in the region, with British Airways among the first to extend its flight suspension.
How Long Will the Suspension Last?
No British Airways flights to Israel are available for booking until August 1, 2025. The airline had previously suspended flights through June 14, but this new extension pushes the suspension well into the busy summer travel season. This means that for at least two more months, British Airways will not operate its usual London Heathrow to Tel Aviv route.
Travelers who had booked flights during this period will need to seek refunds or alternative travel arrangements. The airline has stated that it will contact affected customers directly to offer options.
A Pattern of Suspensions: The History Behind the Decision
This is not the first time British Airways has suspended flights to Israel. The airline first halted its London Heathrow to Tel Aviv service for three days in late September 2024 after a spike in regional violence. The suspension was extended several times:
- In October 2024, British Airways pushed the suspension through the end of March 2025.
- The airline briefly resumed flights on April 5, 2025, but stopped again after new security threats.
- Now, the suspension is set to last until at least August 1, 2025.
This pattern is not unique to British Airways. Since the start of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023, many international airlines have repeatedly extended or reimposed flight suspensions to Israel. Each new security incident, especially those affecting airports, has led to further delays in resuming normal service.
The Broader Impact: Other Airlines and the Industry Response
British Airways is not alone in suspending flights to Israel. Many major international airlines have taken similar steps, each responding to the changing security situation in their own way. Here’s a look at what other airlines are doing:
- Air France: Flights to Israel suspended through May 26, 2025.
- Lufthansa Group (including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings): Suspended flights through June 8, 2025.
- United Airlines: Service suspended through June 12, 2025.
- Air Canada 🇨🇦: Postponed its return to Israel until September 8, 2025, after originally planning to resume in June.
- Delta Air Lines: Resumed daily nonstop flights from New York’s JFK Airport to Tel Aviv as of May 20, 2025.
- Virgin Atlantic: Had planned to resume Tel Aviv flights in autumn 2025 but canceled those plans in April.
This wave of suspensions shows how seriously airlines are taking the risks in the region. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, most international carriers are waiting for clear signs of improved security before restarting regular service.
Which Airlines Are Still Flying to Israel?
Despite the widespread suspensions, some airlines continue to operate flights to and from Israel. These include:
- El Al: Israel’s national airline, maintains regular flights between Tel Aviv and the United Kingdom.
- Israir and Wizz Air: Both Israeli carriers continue to fly between Israel and the UK.
- Aegean Airlines: The Greek airline resumed flights to Tel Aviv on May 22, 2025, becoming one of the first European carriers to do so after the recent missile incident.
- Other Foreign Airlines: A limited number of airlines, such as flydubai, Emirates, and JetBlue Airways, continue to offer flights to Israel.
For travelers who must reach Israel, these airlines may provide the only available options. However, schedules may be limited, and seats can fill up quickly.
What Does This Mean for Travelers and Immigrants?
The British Airways flight suspension affects a wide range of people, including:
- Tourists and Business Travelers: Those planning trips to Israel for leisure or work will need to find alternative airlines or postpone their travel.
- Immigrants and Dual Citizens: Many people with family or business ties in both the United Kingdom and Israel rely on direct flights for visits, work, or emergencies.
- Students: International students traveling between the two countries may face delays or need to reroute their journeys.
- People Seeking to Immigrate: Those moving to or from Israel may need to adjust their plans, especially if they were counting on British Airways for their travel.
Practical Steps for Affected Passengers
If you have a British Airways ticket to or from Israel during the suspension period, here’s what you should do:
- Check Your Email and Airline Account: British Airways will contact affected passengers with information about refunds or rebooking.
- Request a Refund or Alternative Flight: You are entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight, though options may be limited.
- Monitor Other Airlines: Check if El Al, Israir, Wizz Air, or other carriers have available flights.
- Consider Travel Insurance: If you must travel, look into ticket protection plans that cover cancellations due to security events.
Passenger Rights: What Are You Entitled To?
Many travelers wonder what rights they have when flights are canceled due to security concerns. Here’s a breakdown:
- No Financial Compensation for Extraordinary Events: If the airline can prove the cancellation was due to extraordinary security events, such as war or terrorism, you may not be entitled to extra compensation.
- Refund or Alternative Flight: You still have the right to a full refund or to be rebooked on another flight.
- Assistance: Airlines must provide help, such as meals and hotel accommodations, if you are stranded and waiting for a new flight.
European Union Rules
Under EC Regulation No 261/2004, passengers departing from an EU airport or flying into the EU on an EU airline have specific rights when flights are canceled. These include the right to:
- A full refund within seven days
- Re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity
- Meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if needed
You can read more about these rights on the European Commission’s official passenger rights page.
Israeli Law
The Israel Aviation Services Law also gives certain rights to passengers on flights departing from or arriving in Israel that are canceled or delayed. These rights include compensation, refunds, and assistance, depending on the reason for the cancellation and the length of the delay.
The Human Impact: Stories from the Ground
For many people, the British Airways flight suspension is more than just a travel inconvenience. It can disrupt family reunions, business plans, and even immigration processes.
Example 1: Family Visits Delayed
Sarah, a British citizen with elderly parents in Israel, had planned to visit her family this summer. With the suspension, she now faces the challenge of finding alternative flights, which are often more expensive and less frequent.
Example 2: Students Facing Uncertainty
David, an Israeli student studying in London, was set to return home for the summer break. He now has to book with another airline, possibly with longer layovers or higher costs.
Example 3: Immigration Plans on Hold
Leah, who was preparing to immigrate from Israel to the United Kingdom, must now adjust her moving plans. Shipping her belongings and coordinating her arrival has become more complicated without direct flights.
These stories highlight how airline decisions can have a ripple effect on people’s lives, especially those with cross-border ties.
The Bigger Picture: Security and the Airline Industry
The repeated extensions of flight suspensions by British Airways and other major carriers show just how uncertain the security situation in Israel remains. Airlines are taking a cautious approach, waiting for clear signs that it is safe to resume regular service.
This caution is understandable. Airlines must protect their passengers and crew, and any incident at a major airport can have serious consequences. The missile strike at Ben Gurion Airport was a stark reminder of the risks involved.
For the airline industry, these suspensions mean lost revenue and disrupted schedules. For travelers, it means fewer choices and more uncertainty.
What Should Travelers Do Next?
If you are planning to travel to or from Israel in the coming months, here are some practical steps:
- Stay Informed: Check airline websites and news sources regularly for updates on flight schedules.
- Book with Flexible Policies: Choose airlines that offer flexible booking and cancellation policies.
- Consider Alternative Routes: If direct flights are not available, look for connecting flights through other countries.
- Keep Documents Ready: Make sure your passport, visa, and any required immigration forms are up to date. For those traveling to the United Kingdom, you can find official visa and immigration information on the UK government website.
- Contact Airlines Directly: If you have questions about your booking, reach out to the airline’s customer service for the latest information.
Looking Ahead: Will Flights Resume Soon?
It is difficult to predict exactly when British Airways and other major airlines will resume flights to Israel. The situation depends on security developments in the region and the advice of government and aviation authorities.
Travelers should be prepared for continued disruptions throughout the summer of 2025. Airlines will likely continue to review the situation and may adjust their schedules again if conditions improve or worsen.
Conclusion: Staying Prepared in Uncertain Times
The British Airways flight suspension to Israel is a clear sign of the ongoing challenges facing international travel in regions affected by conflict. While some airlines continue to operate, options are limited, and travelers must stay flexible and informed.
If you are affected by these changes, remember your rights to refunds and assistance, and consider alternative travel plans. For immigrants, students, and families with ties to both countries, this period may require patience and extra planning.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the best approach is to stay updated, keep your documents in order, and be ready to adjust your plans as needed. The situation may change quickly, and being prepared will help you manage any disruptions.
For the latest official information on travel and immigration requirements, always check government websites and trusted airline sources. This will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date guidance as you plan your journey.
Learn Today
British Airways → A major UK airline suspending flights due to safety risks in Israel until at least August 1, 2025.
Ben Gurion Airport → Israel’s main international airport near Tel Aviv, targeted recently by missile attacks causing disruptions.
Flight Suspension → Temporary halt of airline services between destinations due to safety, political, or operational reasons.
Extraordinary Security Events → Unusual, serious incidents like war or terrorism that justify flight cancellations without passenger compensation.
EC Regulation No 261/2004 → EU law protecting passengers with rights to refunds, re-routing, and care during flight cancellations or delays.
This Article in a Nutshell
British Airways extends Israel flight suspension through July 2025 amid security threats, including a missile strike at Ben Gurion Airport. Travelers must seek alternatives or refunds. Other airlines vary in suspension lengths; some continue flights. Passenger rights ensure refunds or help but not extra compensation for extraordinary cancellations.
— By VisaVerge.com
