Israel has sharply criticized U.S. airlines for halting flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport after a Houthi missile attack on May 4, 2025.
The strike, which caused minor injuries and disrupted operations, also led several international carriers to suspend services.
Israel’s reaction was centered on the U.S., although a number of global airlines have now implemented similar flight suspensions.
Israel Calls Out U.S. Carriers
Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, described the U.S. airlines’ suspensions as a “troubling message” that could embolden terrorist groups.
He argued that allies should show solidarity by maintaining flights, not retreating during conflict. The criticism reflects Israel’s frustration with decisions it sees as undermining its resilience against attacks.
U.S. Airlines Prioritize Safety
The Houthi missile strike prompted quick action from U.S. carriers. Delta Air Lines canceled its May 4 flight from New York’s JFK to Tel Aviv and the return flight on May 5. United Airlines suspended its twice-daily Newark-Tel Aviv service through May 11, extending an earlier pause set to end May 8.
Both airlines emphasized passenger and crew safety, with United pledging to resume flights only after a security review.
The suspensions disrupt recently restored U.S.-Israel routes, which resumed in March and April 2025 after a Gaza ceasefire. Delta and United are offering rebooking without penalties, but limited alternatives have frustrated passengers.
International Carriers Join Suspensions
The attack also triggered cancellations from international airlines, amplifying travel disruptions. Carriers halting flights include:
- Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings): Suspended through May 11.
- Air France: Canceled May 4 flights, rebooking passengers for May 5.
- British Airways: Halted flights through May 7.
- ITA Airways: Suspended through May 7.
- Wizz Air: Canceled through May 6.
- Iberia: Halted through May 7.
- LOT Polish Airlines: Suspended through May 6.
- Air Europa: Canceled through May 7.
- Ryanair: Halted May 4 flights.
- airBaltic: Suspended through May 11.
- KLM: Halted through May 30.
- Transavia: Diverted a May 4 flight to Greece.
- Air India: Suspended through May 6, diverting a Delhi-Tel Aviv flight to Abu Dhabi.
- Azerbaijan Airlines: Canceled May 4 flights.
Airlines like Aegean, flydubai, and Ethiopian continued operations, but the widespread cancellations have strained travel options.
Travel Disruptions and Israel’s Response
The suspensions have left passengers stranded, with Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir stepping up. El Al offered capped fares, from Larnaca and New York, to assist travelers. However, limited seats have overwhelmed demand, boosting El Al’s stock by nearly 7%.
The Houthis have threatened more attacks, calling Ben Gurion Airport “unsafe” and hinting at an “aerial blockade.” This has heightened airline and passenger concerns, especially after the missile breached Israel’s defenses.
Conclusion
Israel’s criticism of U.S. airlines highlights the tension between safety-driven decisions and diplomatic expectations. For U.S. carriers, suspensions reflect caution in a volatile region, but they risk straining ties with a key ally.
The global cancellations show how quickly commercial aviation reacts to conflict, affecting travelers worldwide.
Affected passengers should contact their airlines for rebooking or refunds. Delta and United offer flexibility through late May, while carriers like Lufthansa are rebooking where possible. Travelers can check flight statuses and consider Israeli airlines for urgent travel.
The situation remains uncertain, with U.S. and international carriers awaiting stability before resuming flights to Tel Aviv.
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