American Airlines has extended its flight cancellations to Israel by seven months. The airline originally cancelled flights until the end of March 2025; however, it has now extended the cancellation until September 2025 due to escalating tensions. Tensions have worsened since November 2, when Israel attacked military targets in Iran in response to a previous attack by Iran. 

What is the impact of the extension?

Currently, no American airlines are flying to Israel due to security concerns. American Airlines suspended its flights to Israel in October 2023 in response to Israel’s attack on Gaza. It extended suspensions until March 2025 due to the escalating conflict with Iran. 

The recent extension by American Airlines has raised concerns that other airlines may follow suit. Companies such as Delta Airlines and British Airways are set to resume flights in the spring of next year but could follow American Airlines’ example and extend the cancellations until late 2025. 

German airline Lufthansa and American Airlines announced on Monday that they will extend their flight cancellations until November 2024. This includes multiple European airlines within the group, including Swiss and Austrian airlines.

Is it still possible to fly to Israel?

The widespread cancellations of US airline flights to Israel have resulted in El Al Airlines being the only Israel-to-USA carrier remaining. The company has benefitted from the cancellations, hiking up prices and monopolising the flights. The skyrocketing prices have peaked, which has instigated an investigation for price gouging by the Israel Competition Authority. 

In a recent interview, Shlomi Zafarany, the Vice President of Commercial & Industrial Affairs at EL AL, made the following statement:

We have many limitations, and we must adjust our activities; we must make sure that the connection between Israel and the world continues.

Zafaranys statement highlights the challenges and restrictions the company faces; however, EL AL is dedicated to overcoming the obstacles and continues to provide flights. 

What are your thoughts on extended flight cancellations to Israel? Let us know in the comments below!