KLM and airBaltic Announce Resumption of Flights to Israel

Key Takeaways

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines resumed daily flights to Tel Aviv on May 31, 2025, after 11 months of suspension.
• Travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply for ETA-IL approval at least 72 hours before flying to Israel.
• Many airlines delay returns due to security concerns; SAS plans to restart flights to Tel Aviv in October 2025.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Resumes Flights to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport: What Travelers Need to Know

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has officially restarted daily flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport as of May 31, 2025. This marks the end of an 11-month suspension caused by security concerns in Israel. The first KLM flight landed in Tel Aviv on the night of May 31, 2025, signaling a cautious but important step toward restoring international air travel to Israel. Wizz Air also resumed flights to Tel Aviv on May 15, 2025, just days after a missile attack near the airport. While these developments are promising, many major airlines, including United Airlines, British Airways, and Air Canada, are still holding off on resuming service due to ongoing safety worries.

This article explains what these changes mean for travelers, airlines, and the broader region. It covers the new travel rules, the reasons behind airline decisions, and what passengers should expect when flying to or from Israel now.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Returns to Israel: The Details

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is now operating seven weekly flights (one per day) between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport. The airline uses Boeing 737-900 aircraft for these flights. Here’s the current schedule:

• Departure from Tel Aviv: 04:45, arriving in Amsterdam at 08:40
• Departure from Amsterdam: 21:10, arriving in Tel Aviv at 02:35

At this time, flights from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv include a stopover in Larnaca, Cyprus, while flights from Tel Aviv to Amsterdam are direct. This arrangement allows KLM to manage security concerns while still providing service.

Wizz Air resumed flights from several European cities to Tel Aviv on May 15, 2025. This quick return came less than two weeks after a missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Wizz Air’s decision reflects a growing sense of optimism among some airlines, even as others remain cautious.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines plans to restart flights between Copenhagen and Tel Aviv on October 26, 2025. This will be SAS’s first service to Israel in nine years.

Why Did KLM and Wizz Air Resume Flights Now?

The decision to resume flights comes after months of careful security assessments. KLM’s commercial director in Israel, Alon Neta, said, “The renewal of operations strengthens the position of the Air France-KLM group in the Israeli market. The schedule will allow our passengers to continue to selected destinations in North and South America, as well as a wide range of destinations worldwide.”

A KLM spokesperson explained that while their partner Air France resumed flights earlier, KLM needed more time to ensure safety and readiness. The airline’s return is based on daily security checks using both internal and government sources, though the details of these assessments remain confidential.

Wizz Air’s rapid return, less than two weeks after the May 4 missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport, shows a willingness to take calculated risks in response to changing conditions. However, many other airlines are still waiting for further improvements in security and more flexible regulations before they return.

New Travel Rules: ETA-IL Electronic Travel Authorization

One of the biggest changes for travelers is the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) system. Starting January 1, 2025, all travelers from visa-exempt countries must get ETA-IL approval at least 72 hours before flying to Israel. This rule does not apply to Israeli citizens, people with Israeli ID cards, or those who already have a valid visa.

How to Get ETA-IL:
1. Apply Online: Visit the official ETA-IL portal to submit your application.
2. Wait for Approval: Most applications are processed within a few hours, but you should apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
3. Boarding Check: Airlines, including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Wizz Air, must check that you have ETA-IL approval before letting you board a flight to Israel.
4. Arrival in Israel: Be prepared to show your ETA-IL approval at border control.

If you don’t have ETA-IL approval, you won’t be allowed to board your flight. This new rule is meant to improve border security and manage the flow of travelers more efficiently.

What About Other Airlines?

While KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Wizz Air have resumed flights, many major airlines are still not flying to Israel. United Airlines, British Airways, Delta, and Air Canada have all postponed their return, citing ongoing security risks. Some have said they will not resume flights until at least mid-June 2025, while others have not set a date.

A group of 20 foreign airlines has asked Israeli authorities for more flexible compensation rules. They want to reduce their financial risk if flights are suddenly canceled due to security events. Israeli lawmakers have responded by temporarily changing the 2012 Aviation Services Law. This change allows airlines to suspend some compensation payments, such as hotel stays for stranded passengers, during emergencies. The goal is to encourage more airlines to return by lowering their potential costs.

Safety Concerns and Staff Reactions

Safety remains a top concern for airlines and their employees. The missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, 2025, injured six people and caused many airlines to rethink their plans. KLM’s staff union in the Netherlands, led by Chris van Elswijk, has asked the airline to let employees choose whether to work on flights to Tel Aviv. The union wants to make sure no one is forced to fly if they feel unsafe.

Aviation law expert Eyal Doron explained that the missile attack made many foreign airlines more cautious. Each airline now does its own risk assessment before deciding whether to fly to Israel. These assessments look at the latest security information from both airline and government sources.

Step-by-Step Guide for Passengers Flying to Israel

If you plan to fly to Israel with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Wizz Air, or any other airline, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Airline’s Status: Make sure your airline is flying to Israel and check the latest flight schedule.
2. Apply for ETA-IL: If you’re from a visa-exempt country, apply for ETA-IL at least 72 hours before your flight. You can do this on the official ETA-IL portal.
3. Prepare for Boarding: Bring your ETA-IL approval with you. Airlines will check for this before you board.
4. Stay Informed: Check for any travel advisories, especially if you plan to visit areas near Gaza, Lebanon, or Egypt. These regions are considered high-risk, and travel is strongly discouraged.
5. Know Your Rights: Be aware that compensation rules have changed during emergencies. You may not be entitled to hotel stays or other compensation if your flight is canceled due to security events.

Background: Why Flights Were Suspended

Most international airlines stopped flying to Israel after war broke out in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The conflict quickly spread, and security risks increased across the region. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines tried to restart flights between April and June 2024 but had to stop again when tensions rose between Iran and Israel.

The situation became even more tense after the May 4, 2025, missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport. The attack, claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement, injured six people and led many airlines to delay their return.

What Does This Mean for Travelers and the Industry?

The return of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Wizz Air is a positive sign, but it does not mean things are back to normal. Many airlines are still waiting to see if the security situation improves. The new ETA-IL system adds another step for travelers, but it is designed to make travel safer and more predictable.

For passengers, the main changes are:
– More Flight Options: With KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Wizz Air flying again, there are more choices for getting to and from Israel.
– New Travel Rules: The ETA-IL requirement means travelers must plan ahead and apply for approval before flying.
– Possible Lower Fares: As more airlines return, competition may increase, which could lead to lower ticket prices.

For airlines, the changes mean:
– Ongoing Risk Assessments: Airlines must keep checking security conditions and may change their schedules at short notice.
– Regulatory Adjustments: The temporary changes to compensation rules help reduce financial risk, making it easier for airlines to return.
– Staff Flexibility: Airlines like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are working with unions to make sure staff feel safe and are not forced to work on routes they are uncomfortable with.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Flights to Israel?

There is cautious optimism that more airlines will return to Israel in the coming months. SAS Scandinavian Airlines is scheduled to restart flights from Copenhagen to Tel Aviv on October 26, 2025, after a nine-year break. Iberia Express began daily flights between Madrid and Tel Aviv on April 1, 2025.

However, the situation remains fluid. Any new security incident could lead to more suspensions. Airlines and passengers should stay alert and be ready for changes.

Ongoing talks between airlines and Israeli authorities may lead to further changes in compensation rules and other regulations. These adjustments are meant to make it easier for airlines to manage risk and return to the Israeli market.

Summary Table: Major Airlines’ Status for Israel (as of June 1, 2025)

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: www.klm.com
• Ben Gurion Airport Information: www.iaa.gov.il
• Israel Ministry of Transport – Aviation Security Operations Center: [email protected]
• ETA-IL Application: Official ETA-IL Portal

For the latest updates on travel rules and security, check the Israel Ministry of Interior website.

Practical Takeaways for Travelers

• Plan Ahead: Apply for ETA-IL at least 72 hours before your flight.
• Check Airline Schedules: Flight availability can change quickly, so always confirm your booking.
• Stay Informed: Follow official travel advisories and be aware of security updates.
• Know Your Rights: Understand that compensation rules may be different during emergencies.
• Be Flexible: Be prepared for possible changes or cancellations, especially if security conditions change.

Conclusion

The return of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Wizz Air to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport is a hopeful sign for travelers and the aviation industry. However, the situation remains uncertain, and many airlines are still waiting for more stability before resuming flights. The new ETA-IL system and temporary changes to compensation rules are designed to make travel safer and encourage more airlines to return. Passengers should stay informed, plan ahead, and be ready for changes as the situation develops.

For more detailed analysis and updates on airline services to Israel, VisaVerge.com reports that travelers should always check with their airline and official government sources before making plans. The landscape of international travel to Israel is changing quickly, and staying informed is the best way to ensure a smooth journey.

Learn Today

Ben Gurion Airport → Israel’s main international airport near Tel Aviv, critical for commercial and passenger flights.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) → A mandatory online approval for visa-exempt travelers to Israel, required 72 hours before flight departure.
Boeing 737-900 → The aircraft type used by KLM for flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv.
Air France-KLM group → The airline group encompassing Air France and KLM, operating international flights including to Israel.
Compensation Rules → Regulations governing passenger reimbursement for flight disruptions, temporarily adjusted due to security risks.

This Article in a Nutshell

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines resumed daily flights to Tel Aviv on May 31, 2025, signaling gradual air travel restoration. New ETA-IL travel rules require passengers to apply 72 hours before flights. Though optimistic, some airlines remain cautious amid ongoing regional security concerns, affecting schedules and airline decisions.
— By VisaVerge.com