United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have temporarily canceled flights to Tel Aviv amid escalating security concerns in the Middle East. This decision follows rising tensions related to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iranian authorities have attributed to Israel.
United Airlines' Response
United Airlines suspended daily flights to Tel Aviv starting Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024, citing security concerns. The airline said, “Effective from this evening’s Newark Liberty to Tel Aviv flight, we are halting our daily service to Tel Aviv as we assess our next steps. We are closely monitoring the situation and will determine when to resume flights based on the safety of our passengers and crew.”
The airline had resumed direct flights to Israel and the U.S. in June after suspending them following the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel last year. United emphasized its commitment to ensuring passenger and crew safety while monitoring the evolving situation, in line with the latest Israel news travel updates.
Delta Air Lines' Measures
Delta Air Lines has also suspended flights between New York and Tel Aviv through Friday, August 2, citing the ongoing regional conflict. The airline’s website explains that passengers who booked flights to or from Tel Aviv before August 14 are eligible for a waiver, allowing them to change their plans without additional charges.
Delta added, “We are continually monitoring the changing security landscape and evaluating our operations based on security advice and intelligence updates.”
Background of Escalating Tensions
The recent spike in Middle East tensions is linked to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran’s foreign ministry has accused Israel of the strike and implicated the U.S. as Israel’s main ally. This incident has exacerbated the already volatile situation in the region.
Additionally, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut targeted and killed Fuad Shukr, a high-ranking Hezbollah commander responsible for a recent drone attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teens in Israel. The killing of these leaders has heightened fears of further retaliatory actions against Israel.
U.S. Department of State Advisory
In light of the escalating conflict, the U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for the Middle East, advising U.S. citizens against traveling to Northern Israel and the West Bank due to the intensified conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, along with other regional conflicts.
Passengers affected by these Israeli flight suspensions are eligible for refunds if their flights are canceled or significantly delayed. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines must process refunds “promptly” within seven business days for credit card transactions and within 20 days for cash or check payments.
The suspension of flights by major U.S. carriers United Airlines and Delta Air Lines highlights the severity of the current security situation in the Middle East. As tensions in Israel airports persist, airlines are focusing on passenger and crew safety while staying updated on the latest developments. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about travel news, advisories, and airline updates as the situation evolves.
