Delta and United Airlines cancel flights to Israel amid escalating tensions

Posted by author July 31, 2024 Travel

United Airlines is suspending its daily flights to Israel, beginning with the Wednesday night flight from Newark to Tel Aviv, as tensions in the Middle East escalate.

“Beginning with this evening’s flight from Newark Liberty to Tel Aviv, we are suspending for security reasons our daily Tel Aviv service as we evaluate our next steps,” a United spokesperson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on resuming service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews.”

Delta Air Lines will also cancel flights between New York (JFK) and Tel Aviv through at least Aug. 2.

“Delta flights betweenNew York-JFK and Tel Aviv will be paused through Friday, Aug. 2, due to ongoing conflict in the region. Sales of flights for DL234 on Jul. 31 and Aug. 1, and DL235 on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. are suspended,” the airline said in a statement. “Customers impacted by the schedule change will receive notifications via the Fly Delta app and contact information listed in their reservation.”

The airline has also issued a waiver for flights to and from Israel through Aug. 14, which allows them to change their plans without paying a fare difference. Delta said it will continue monitoring the security situation and will keep customers updated about any further schedule changes.

If your flight is canceled by a U.S. airline or departing from a U.S. airport, you are entitled to a cash refund, even if you purchased a nonrefundable ticket.

U.S. airlines suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv in October amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants. American Airlines hadn’t resumed flights.

The State Department has had a travel advisory for the region, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank, and suggesting not to travel to Gaza.