Key Takeaways
• United Airlines suspended Newark–Tel Aviv flights effective May 4, 2025, due to a missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport.
• Full refunds or rebookings are available to affected passengers under U.S. Department of Transportation rules.
• Other airlines, including Delta, ITA Airways, and Air India, also halted or reduced Tel Aviv services amid regional instability.
United Airlines has made the decision to stop its flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Tel Aviv, bringing many travel plans to a sudden halt. This step comes in response to growing unrest and a direct missile attack near Israel’s main airport — a situation that has left many travelers worried and led airlines across the globe to reconsider their flights to the area. As United Airlines puts a firm focus on safety, it is not alone; many other airlines have made similar decisions as the situation in the region remains unstable.
United Airlines Stops EWR-TLV Flights: What’s Happening Now
United Airlines has officially paused its direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport in the United States to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The airline’s statement makes its reason very clear: “We have canceled our twice-daily service between Newark and Tel Aviv while we closely monitor the situation. We will make decisions on resuming service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews.”
This suspension took effect on May 4, 2025, and right now, the airline says the pause will last at least through May 8. However, the date is not set in stone. United Airlines may have to wait even longer before returning to regular flights, and everything depends on how safe it is to fly into Israel.
Why United Airlines Decided to Halt Flights
There is one main reason for United Airlines temporarily stopping its Newark Liberty International Airport to Tel Aviv route: safety. In the first week of May 2025, a missile fired from Yemen landed near Ben Gurion Airport, which is Israel’s main international gateway.
This incident made airline companies and passengers alike much more worried about flying into or over Israeli airspace. United Airlines, like other carriers, uses a team of experts to carefully watch for changes in the region’s security. The airline’s choices about suspending or returning flights depend completely on these real-time updates — if there is any major danger, they act to protect everyone on board.
United Airlines’ decision is not a one-time response. The airline has canceled flights into Israel before — most recently in October 2023 following earlier spikes in violence. Each time, the company stressed that passenger and crew safety comes before all else.
How Long Is the Suspension?
As of the latest information, the Newark to Tel Aviv flights will stay off schedule at least until May 8, 2025. If things get better, United Airlines may consider starting the twice-daily flights again sooner. If not, the suspension will last longer.
One thing that’s important for travelers to know: the return of flights is uncertain. United Airlines has not promised any firm resumption date. Instead, the airline has said it will keep studying the situation and provide updates as needed.
This approach is in line with how United Airlines managed things throughout previous crises. When trouble broke out in the region before, the company paused service and only restarted when conditions were much safer.
The Bigger Picture: Other Airlines and Industry-Wide Changes
United Airlines is not the only major airline making this kind of change. Since late July 2024, other global airlines have also responded to the unrest in the Middle East, especially around Israel.
Delta Air Lines has also canceled its New York to Tel Aviv services as a direct reaction to the growing dangers nearby. The same decision has been made by several other global names:
- ITA Airways
- Vueling
- Air India
- Over a dozen more international airlines
Some have halted flights completely, while others have slashed the number of trips or rerouted planes to avoid the riskiest airspace. Most cite the same main reason: it is simply not safe enough right now to guarantee secure passage for travelers and crew.
For travelers from the United States, this means fewer choices for getting to Israel or returning home. Similarly, Israelis looking to visit friends, family, or business contacts in the United States now have fewer flights to pick from.
How Airlines Decide to Stop or Resume Flights
Every airline, including United Airlines, uses a careful safety and risk process. They watch the news and updates from official government bodies like the U.S. Department of State and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). United Airlines also works closely with Israeli authorities, airport security teams, and international organizations when deciding whether to pause or resume flights.
If something happens, like a missile coming close to an airport or sudden fighting, United Airlines will act immediately if necessary. The airline may cancel flights, inform passengers, and update its website with new details.
When security improves, the teams continue to monitor. If they are confident that the area is safe for flying and will stay that way, United Airlines will bring flights back. Even then, though, flights might run less often, or only during certain hours, as safety needs demand.
What Passengers Should Know: Refunds, Rebooking, and Rights
Travelers whose plans are affected by the Newark Liberty International Airport to Tel Aviv suspension have important rights. According to U.S. Department of Transportation rules, when a flight is canceled and the airline itself is at fault (for example, due to security reasons or government advice), customers are usually entitled to a full refund. This refund applies whether they bought a round-trip ticket or just one way.
United Airlines is in line with this rule. The airline has said that “passengers affected by these cancellations are generally entitled to full refunds or rebooking.” That means you can choose to get all your money back, or, if flights resume, you may be able to change your booking to a later date without paying extra fees.
Many passengers appreciate clear, simple options. If you booked a ticket with United Airlines for one of the canceled Newark to Tel Aviv flights, here is what you should do:
- Check your email and United Airlines account for official updates or cancellation notices.
- Visit the official United Airlines website here for the latest announcements and to manage your booking.
- Decide if you want a refund or wish to wait for a possible rebooking.
- Contact United Airlines customer service if you have any questions or need more support.
If rebooking becomes possible, United will provide new travel dates and let you know how to change your trip. Otherwise, a full refund is the default choice.
The Ripple Effect: Impacts on Travelers, Business, and Immigration
This pause in flights affects more than just vacationers. People who travel for work, study, health reasons, or to see loved ones all rely on international flights. For example, business travelers from the United States who need to meet partners in Tel Aviv now face extra costs and headaches. Students and workers with important deadlines may need to find alternative routes, facing longer journeys and possible visa troubles if they miss important appointments or meetings.
Immigrants and dual citizens especially feel the pressure. Those who need to renew visas or green cards, meet legal deadlines, or handle paperwork may be forced to delay or cancel plans. VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that many families are worried about missing important events like weddings, funerals, or religious holidays.
Travel disruptions can also interfere with legal timelines set by embassies or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Missing an interview or appointment because a flight was canceled might mean having to wait months for another date.
United Airlines remains aware of these unique pressures. This is why they are quick to share updates, refund options, and possible solutions for travelers with pressing immigration or legal needs.
Growing Uncertainty: How Long Will This Last?
It is impossible to say exactly how long flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Tel Aviv will be paused. If the security situation in Israel improves quickly, regular service might resume soon after May 8, 2025. But if things stay tense, or if there are more threats close to the main airport, United Airlines and other carriers will likely keep flights on hold.
Regional experts and industry leaders agree that the air travel sector is now much more sensitive to these types of threats. Decisions are made fast, often hour by hour, as soon as new information comes in. Both airlines and passengers must be ready for sudden changes, be it positive or negative.
Official Resources and Next Steps
If you are planning to travel between Newark Liberty International Airport and Tel Aviv in the coming weeks, your best source of up-to-date information is the official United Airlines website. You can also check the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory page for Israel and the region, which offers real-time security updates.
Other official resources include:
– U.S. Department of Transportation refund policy information
– Ben Gurion Airport’s official site for local updates
– Your embassy or consulate’s website for country-specific travel advice
Keep in mind that you should not rely on rumors or unofficial social media updates. Only use trusted sources when making decisions about your trip.
What About Other Routes and Alternatives?
Some travelers may look for alternative ways to reach Israel if the direct Newark to Tel Aviv connection is canceled. This could involve flying into a different nearby country and then driving or using other forms of transport to reach Israel. However, this may mean more risk, longer travel times, and possibly even more visa needs — for example, a U.S. passport holder might need a different visa if they enter Israel from another country rather than directly by air.
Because so many airlines have canceled or reduced Tel Aviv services, booking any route into Israel can be difficult. Ticket prices may rise, competition for seats grows, and the risk of sudden rescheduling remains high.
United Airlines’ Message: Safety First
Throughout these challenges, United Airlines repeats its main message: safety comes first. The company said, “We will make decisions on resuming service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews.” This approach is consistent with past decision-making, where passenger well-being is always the top priority.
Passengers should expect the airline to keep sharing updates via email, its website, and customer service channels. All flights will only resume when both United Airlines and outside security experts agree that it is safe to do so.
Key Points for Travelers
- United Airlines has temporarily stopped all flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Tel Aviv as of May 4, 2025.
- The main reason is security concerns after a missile struck close to Ben Gurion Airport.
- The suspension runs through May 8, but could last longer depending on the situation.
- Passengers are usually able to get full refunds or reschedule once flights resume.
- Other airlines like Delta Air Lines, ITA Airways, and Air India have also stopped or reduced flights to Israel.
- Everyone should check official sources for updates and avoid relying on unofficial reports or rumors.
- Immigration, business, and family travel may all be affected, so plan carefully and stay informed.
For those with planned trips, it is wise to follow United Airlines’ live communications and be prepared to adjust schedules as needed. As stated on the United Airlines news page, the airline is closely monitoring events and will share information as things change.
For continued coverage, informed analysis, and practical travel updates, readers are encouraged to visit trusted immigration news sources like VisaVerge.com. Staying well informed is the best way to protect your travel plans, meet your legal obligations, and keep yourself safe during these turbulent times.
Learn Today
Ben Gurion Airport → The main international airport in Israel, located near Tel Aviv, and the country’s primary gateway for international air travel.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation and ensuring the safety of airspace and airports.
Refund Policy → Official guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Transportation requiring airlines to return money to customers for canceled flights.
Flight Suspension → A temporary halt in airline service on a specific route, usually because of safety or regulatory reasons.
Travel Advisory → An official warning issued by governments about potential safety or security risks for travelers to certain regions.
This Article in a Nutshell
United Airlines has paused all Newark–Tel Aviv flights after a missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport, prioritizing passenger and crew safety. Other global airlines follow suit due to ongoing instability. Travelers are encouraged to seek official updates, refunds, and consider alternative plans while the airline monitors security for resumption decisions.
— By VisaVerge.com
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