The majority of international airlines have ceased their air service to Israel or put it on hold indefinitely, following the commencement of the armed conflict in Gaza. However, just before the New Year, several prominent international air carriers have confirmed that they are preparing to resume their Israel operations.
But in early 2024, international carriers will begin coming back to Israel, led by Lufthansa, who, along with two other companies from the same group – Austrian Airlines and Swiss, will return in January.
Lufthansa Group suspended flights to Israel on October 9 due to security concerns following an atrocious attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists.
Lufthansa announced that initially, the group’s airlines will provide 20 weekly connections to and from Tel Aviv, which accounts for approximately 30 percent of the regular flight schedule.
Lufthansa has scheduled 4 weekly flights to Frankfurt and 3 weekly flights to Munich, Austrian will have 8 weekly flights to Vienna, and Swiss will offer 5 weekly flights to Zurich.
The Romanian airline Tarom will resume Israel operations on January 1 and will offer two weekly flights from Tel Aviv to Bucharest.
Air Europa LÃneas Aéreas, S.A.U., branded as Air Europa, the third-largest Spanish airline after Iberia and Vueling, has announced plans to resume operations in Israel from February 1, 2024, with the initial schedule consisting of 3 weekly flights to Madrid. It is anticipated that the frequency of these flights will eventually increase to 7 per week.
Major US carrier United Airlines is expected to reinstate service to New York starting February 2, barring any unforeseen changes.
The British airline Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will resume flights on the London-Tel Aviv route, starting March 17, with a frequency of one flight a day.
Virgin Atlantic, the UK-based carrier, has revealed its plans to recommence operations on the London-Tel Aviv route from March 17 onwards. The airline intends to offer a single daily flight on this route.
The foreign companies that already fly to Israel and will continue to operate flights in 2024 are: Uzbekistan Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Azimuth, Blue Bird, Hainan Airlines, Fly Dubai, Fly One and Red Wings.
International airlines that are currently flying to Israel, such as Uzbekistan Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Azimuth, Blue Bird, Hainan Airlines, Fly Dubai, Fly One, and Red Wings, will continue to provide flight services between Tel Aviv and their respective hubs.