In what aviation insiders are calling an unprecedented ripple effect across global flight routes, Israel is witnessing a rapid deterioration in international air connectivity. A growing list of major international carriers has either suspended or extended cancellations of their flights to and from the Jewish state, marking a critical turning point in the country’s aviation calendar.

A Critical Week for Israeli Aviation

Industry sources indicate that the coming days will be pivotal, as airlines reassess the viability of continuing operations into Israel. Several have already announced additional cancellations or extended existing suspensions, citing security risks and operational uncertainties.

What began as short-term flight adjustments has now snowballed into a widespread withdrawal, with airlines from Europe, Asia, and North America increasingly grounding services to Ben Gurion Airport.

United Airlines has completely abandoned Americans in Israel. No warning, no support, no hotel—just an automated message offering to rebook us three weeks later on May 31st. We had to spend thousands out of pocket to book on El Al. @united, this is pathetic. Shame on you.

— Bryan E. Leib (@BryanLeibFL) May 6, 2025

European Airlines Lead the Exodus

Among the most notable names:

• Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air Baltic, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings have all canceled their flights to Israel through May 11, with some expected to review their status imminently.
• Italy’s ITA Airways has extended its cancellations through May 11, and preemptively scrubbed flights AZ809 and AZ815 scheduled for May 12.
• Air France and Transavia have halted services until May 13, joining Aegean Airlines of Greece, which will maintain its cancellations until May 13, with possible spillover disruptions affecting May 14’s early morning flights.
• LOT Polish Airlines has suspended flights until May 12.
• Spain’s Iberia Express leads the pack in long-term cancellations, halting flights through May 31.
• Air Europa has canceled its scheduled flights for this Friday, with further announcements pending.

British Airways & American Giants Extend Their No-Fly Window

In a particularly stark move, British Airways has canceled all flights to Israel through June 14, reflecting growing concern among Western carriers.

British Airways has suspended flights to Tel Aviv until at least June 14, citing security concerns after missile attacks linked to Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The airline paused service following a May 4 incident, when a missile struck near Ben Gurion Airport. In response, Israel… pic.twitter.com/eTHwtef9TH

— Flightdrama (@flightdrama) May 8, 2025

Meanwhile, American legacy carriers are not far behind:

• Delta Air Lines has suspended flights through May 19.
• United Airlines through May 18.
• American Airlines has not released specific future dates but has likewise halted operations for the time being.

Air India, which had initially delayed formal announcements, has now canceled flights through Thursday with updates pending for the following week.

Our first Israel Bible Experience Tour since the war began has arrived! These 44 people from six countries and four continents overcame numerous obstacles, including flight cancellations, to reach Israel against all odds! pic.twitter.com/Ti7IvDhUKV

— Amir Tsarfati (@beholdisrael) May 8, 2025

Aviation in Limbo

The cascading cancellations underscore the fragility of Israel’s air travel sector amid geopolitical instability. With each extension, hopes for a swift return to routine international travel dim further, especially as the high tourist season approaches.

Airline industry analysts warn that further suspensions may be imminent unless the security climate stabilizes. For Israel, the deepening flight void poses not only logistical challenges but significant economic consequences, affecting tourism, trade, and diplomatic engagement.