Air France extends Israel flight cancellations over security risks

Key Takeaways

• Air France extends Israel flight suspensions until at least May 24, 2025, due to security concerns.
• Delta Air Lines resumes daily JFK-Tel Aviv flights; rebooking waivers available until June 15.
• May 4 missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport sparked further cancellations by major international carriers.

Travel disruptions linked to rising tensions in Israel 🇮🇱 have reached new levels in May 2025. Air France, one of Europe’s largest airlines, has now decided to keep its flights to Israel suspended at least until May 24. This move comes after earlier plans to restart service, reflecting ongoing worries about safety in the region. While some airlines remain cautious, others like Delta Air Lines are beginning to reintroduce flights, showing how differently carriers are handling the current situation. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening, how it affects travelers, and what to expect next, with a special focus on Air France, flight cancellations, and travel to Israel.

Widespread Flight Suspensions Continue

On May 20, 2025, Air France confirmed that it will keep its flights to Israel on hold through at least May 24. This is not the first extension. Air France had previously hoped to resume service this week, but ongoing uncertainty and security issues have forced the airline to be more cautious. Air France’s announcement shows just how challenging it remains for airlines to balance demand for flights and concerns about passenger safety.

Air France is not alone in making this decision. Other European airlines are also keeping their flights to Israel grounded for now. Here’s a quick look at how some major airlines are responding:

• Lufthansa Group (covers Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings) will not operate flights to Israel until at least June 8.
• Transavia has pushed its cancellations through at least May 24, matching Air France’s current timeline.
• British Airways is also suspending service, with plans to remain on hold until June 14.
• Iberia Express flights are not expected back until at least May 31.
• United Airlines has postponed a possible return to Israel and won’t restart flights until June 12 at the earliest.
• Air Canada is taking an even longer break, planning no flights before September.

These extensions are not taken lightly. Airlines rely on daily risk checks, looking at news from the ground, airline safety groups, and advice from aviation authorities.

Delta Stands Out by Restarting Flights

While most airlines postpone their return, Delta Air Lines has now restarted daily nonstop flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv. As of May 20, Delta became the first major United States 🇺🇸 carrier to restore its standard route after a brief suspension in early May. This decision came after Delta’s safety team carried out an in-depth review and tracked ongoing security updates. Delta’s first resumed flight, operated with an Airbus A330-900neo, was packed—seats quickly sold out after the news broke.

Delta says it will keep a close eye on safety in Israel and adjust schedules if the situation changes. The company has made it clear that keeping passengers safe is the main goal. Anyone who had a flight cancelled before and wants to travel now can use a special travel waiver if they rebook before June 15.

Table: Airline Flight Status to Israel (As of May 20, 2025)

This table highlights how, for now, Air France and other leading carriers are waiting to see if things get better, while some rivals, like Delta, move forward with a return.

Why Are Airlines Extending Cancellations?

The main reason for the recent wave of extensions is heightened security fears. On May 4, 2025, a missile attack launched from Yemen struck close to planes parked outside Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Thankfully, nobody lost their life, and there were no reports of serious injuries, but the event was a stark reminder of the dangers facing flights in and out of Israel. This incident, and others like it, make the stakes much higher for airlines and passengers alike.

After this attack, airlines around the world reassessed the situation. Safety teams at Air France and other carriers, including government agencies, often update threat levels and share information each day. If they see an increased risk of violence or instability, they act quickly—often stopping flights rather than risking passenger safety in a conflict zone.

How This Impacts Travelers, Families, and Workers

These disruptions create a ripple effect far beyond the airlines themselves. Travelers with family in Israel, business workers, and even students find their plans upended. Some are stuck in countries abroad, waiting for services to resume. Others are being forced to search for costly, indirect travel routes on airlines that still fly, like Wizz Air or through creative transfers.

The constant changes in schedules mean that people must check often with their airline for updates. This can be stressful, especially for those with urgent travel needs. For affected customers, Air France and several other airlines offer travel waivers, which let you rebook flights without paying extra fees or get a refund. It’s important to review the rules on each airline’s official website before making a new booking or changing plans. The Israel Airports Authority also provides real-time updates on airport status, which can be helpful for those waiting to fly in or out of the country.

What Is Behind Some Airlines Resuming Flights Sooner?

Even as Air France and others wait for clearer signs of safety, carriers like Delta and Wizz Air are choosing a different path. Their decisions come down to a mix of reasons:

• Demand: Flights to Israel remain in high demand, especially between Tel Aviv and major cities like New York. This is especially true for family reunifications, work trips, and some business sectors.
• Assessments: Each airline runs its own checks. Some see the situation as stable enough to risk returning, at least in a limited way.
• Government Input: Decisions often follow advice from national regulators. For example, Delta likely resumed service after getting updates from the United States 🇺🇸 government that conditions were safe enough for a cautious return.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that each airline’s approach is shaped by the latest information and its own ability to manage risk, support travelers, and adjust quickly if things get worse.

Broader Context: Long-Term and Short-Term Impact

The choices made by Air France and others will have an impact that stretches far beyond the next few weeks. In the short term, these flight cancellations to Israel mean less certainty and fewer options for travelers. Hotels, tour operators, and businesses in Israel depend on international flights to bring in visitors and clients. Fewer flights could hurt their recovery, particularly as tourism is a large part of the Israeli economy.

There’s also a long-term concern: Once overseas travelers get used to booking with airlines that do not suspend service in tough times, their loyalty may shift. For airlines like Air France, the risk is that customers will look for more reliable options if they think cancellations happen too often, even if safety is the reason.

This is also a test for how well airlines can work with immigration and border authorities. Entry and exit procedures might change quickly during a crisis. Travelers need to be ready for extra document checks, sudden changes to visa requirements, or adjustments in how airports and airlines process passport controls.

For people waiting to return home or get to loved ones, the suspense is difficult. It’s important to watch for:

• Updated travel waivers and refund policies from airlines like Air France.
• Announcements from immigration authorities on possible changes in entry rules.
• Local news and official government sources, which can provide the latest safety and travel updates.

Possible Controversies and Differing Views

Not everyone agrees on the best approach. Some people argue that airlines like Air France are being too careful and hurting families and businesses that need to travel. Others applaud their caution, saying that waiting until risks drop is the responsible path. Meanwhile, travelers who rebooked with Delta or Wizz Air after cancellations may feel both grateful for having a way to reach Israel and worried about the ongoing risks linked to their trips.

Governments, too, face tough questions. Some officials may urge airlines to keep flying, citing demand and the need for global connections. Others pressure carriers to hold back, pointing to the unpredictable threat of attacks or rising tensions.

Advice for Travelers

If you plan to visit Israel soon, keep these steps in mind:

1. Check Your Airline’s Website Often: Flight status, schedules, and waiver options can change daily.
2. Understand Rebooking Rules: Airlines usually offer waivers if you had a ticket on a cancelled flight. Know the deadlines, such as Delta’s rebooking window until June 15.
3. Watch for Entry Rules: If entry or visa requirements change quickly due to events, official immigration websites will update travelers on what they need.
4. Explore Alternatives: Some students, businesspeople, and tourists have found alternative routes using carriers like Wizz Air, but these options may cost more or have indirect routes.
5. Follow Official Warnings: Both Israel and the country you are leaving from often post travel advisories. Listen to their guidance for your safety.
6. Stay Ready for Change: The situation can shift quickly, so even bookings made today may need changing later.

Outlook: When Will Normal Service Resume?

For now, it’s unclear when airlines like Air France will restore full service to Israel. Airlines will likely base new decisions on how the security situation develops and whether more attacks occur. The next few weeks will be key in showing if the region grows calmer, or if airlines maintain a cautious approach.

Business travelers, families, and immigrants waiting for these flight cancellations to end should keep a close watch on news from their airline and the Israeli authorities. For up-to-date information, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency provides guidance to travelers and carriers on safety standards and travel recommendations, which can affect how quickly airlines like Air France make changes.

Summary: What We Know Now

• Air France’s flight cancellations to Israel are extended to at least May 24.
• Other major carriers continue to suspend flights for weeks or months, especially after the May 4 missile incident near Ben Gurion Airport.
• Delta and Wizz Air are two major airlines that have started flying again, with strong demand from travelers.
• Passengers affected by delays or cancellation can check for waivers, rebooking, and refund policies.
• The situation remains volatile and travelers should prepare for further changes at short notice.

With so many moving parts—sudden security threats, high demand, airlines making different choices, and immigration rules in flux—the travel outlook for Israel remains uncertain. Make sure to monitor official updates and keep your travel plans flexible. For the latest immigration and entry information related to Israel and other travel disruptions, organizations like VisaVerge.com provide clear and current resources to help you plan safely.

Learn Today

Travel Waiver → Permission from an airline allowing passengers to rebook or refund tickets without penalty after cancellations.
Ben Gurion Airport → Israel’s main international airport near Tel Aviv, central to all international flights and recent security incidents.
Visa Requirement → Legal authorization or entry conditions a traveler must meet to enter a country, which may change during crises.
A330-900neo → A modern Airbus aircraft used by Delta Air Lines, notable for resuming flights to Israel in May 2025.
Entry Policy → Official rules governing the ability of non-citizens to cross a country’s borders, often subject to sudden review.

This Article in a Nutshell

Air France will not resume flights to Israel until at least May 24, 2025, citing regional insecurity. While most European airlines extend suspensions, Delta has restarted daily flights from New York. Travelers should review airline waivers, monitor updates, and remain flexible as conditions and entry or visa requirements may change rapidly.
— By VisaVerge.com

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