If you are searching for airlines flying to Israel right now, Ben Gurion Airport is open and Israeli carriers are operating full schedules. The picture for foreign airlines improved sharply on July 1, when the Lufthansa Group’s main carriers returned, but recovery remains uneven — several European airlines are still suspended, North American carriers are not back until September, and peak-summer congestion at Ben Gurion is creating a real risk of delays. This guide covers exactly where things stand today.
Why Staying Updated on Airlines Flying to Israel is Important
With the situation in Israel still evolving, knowing which airlines are flying to Israel is essential. Carriers are resuming service on a rolling, week-by-week basis, and several routes that were suspended in June came back on July 1. Having the latest information helps you make informed booking decisions and avoid last-minute disruption when planning your journey to Israel.
Is Ben Gurion Airport Open in July, 2026?
Yes. Ben Gurion Airport fully reopened on April 9, 2026, following the ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran. All terminal services, duty-free, and passenger facilities are operating normally.
Israeli airlines — El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa — are operating full schedules, and foreign airline recovery accelerated on July 1 with the return of Lufthansa, SWISS, and ITA Airways. One caveat for summer travelers: the Israel Airports Authority has warned that US military refueling aircraft still parked at Ben Gurion are limiting the number of available parking stands during the busiest travel weeks. That constraint can translate into schedule pressure and same-day delays or cancellations during July and August, even though the airport itself is fully functional. Build in buffer time, and check your carrier’s status page before heading to the airport.
Which Airlines Are Currently Flying to Israel in July 2026?
Israeli Carriers — Operating Full Schedules
- El Al — operating to 40+ destinations including New York, Newark, Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Athens, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich, Geneva, Barcelona, Madrid, Budapest, Bucharest, Prague, Larnaca, Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo
- Arkia — operating to Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Vienna, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Bangkok, New York, Budapest, and Hanoi
- Israir — operating to Athens, Larnaca, Budapest, Tbilisi, Batumi, Rome, Berlin, and Rhodes
- Air Haifa — operating regional and short-haul routes
Foreign Airlines Currently Operating
- Lufthansa — resumed July 1, operating two daily Frankfurt–Tel Aviv flights
- SWISS — resumed July 1, Zurich–Tel Aviv
- ITA Airways — resumed July 1, restoring the Rome–Tel Aviv route
- Austrian Airlines — operating Vienna–Tel Aviv (resumed June, expanded to roughly 11 weekly flights in July)
- Eurowings — returning mid-July (Hamburg from July 10, Düsseldorf from July 18)
- Air France — operating Paris–Tel Aviv (resumed May 10)
- Wizz Air — operating across multiple European routes
- Aegean Airlines — operating Athens and additional Greek routes
- Etihad Airways — two daily Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights
- Ethiopian Airlines — Tel Aviv–Addis Ababa
- Hainan Airlines — Tel Aviv–Beijing
- Bluebird Airways (Greece) — daily Tel Aviv–Athens
- TUS Airways (Cyprus) — Tel Aviv–Larnaca and additional destinations
- FlyDubai — Tel Aviv–Dubai
- Uzbekistan Airways — Tel Aviv–Tashkent
- Georgian Airways — Tel Aviv–Tbilisi
- Smartwings — operating Czech and regional routes
- FlyOne (Moldova) — operating
- Air Europa — operating Madrid–Tel Aviv
- Air India — operating
- Red Wings Airlines and ALK Airlines — operating regional routes
Airlines Still Suspended in July 2026
- British Airways — suspended, now extended through October 24
- Iberia — suspended through July 27
- Brussels Airlines — suspended through October 24
- United Airlines — suspended through September 7
- Delta Air Lines — New York (JFK) suspended through September 6; Atlanta and Boston routes delayed further
- Air Canada — suspended through September 7
- American Airlines — not resuming before January 6, 2027
- Ryanair — no confirmed return date
- easyJet — not returning until autumn 2026
Direct Flights to Israel from North America
Israeli carriers are the only option for direct US–Israel flights in June 2026. Routes currently operating:
- New York (JFK) — El Al, Arkia
- Newark — El Al
- Miami — El Al
- Los Angeles — El Al
- Boston — El Al (added April 19)
United Airlines, Delta, and Air Canada remain suspended until September. No North American carrier other than El Al and Arkia is operating the route. Book directly at elal.com or arkia.com for the most current availability.
Connecting Through Europe
For travelers who cannot access a direct route, the following European hubs offer the strongest connections to Ben Gurion in May:
- Athens — served by Bluebird, El Al, Arkia, and Israir; most flights available
- Rome — served by El Al, Israir, and Arkia
- Larnaca, Cyprus — TUS Airways and El Al
- Paris — Air France resuming May 10; El Al operating
- London — El Al operating; British Airways returning July 1
- Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Zurich — all served by El Al and Arkia
- Abu Dhabi — Etihad two daily flights, useful for connections from Asia
- Dubai — FlyDubai operating, useful for connections from Asia and further afield
- Addis Ababa — Ethiopian Airlines operating, useful for connections from Africa
Note: Lufthansa passenger flights, SWISS, and ITA Airways are planning to resume Tel Aviv routes on July 1. Austrian Airlines resumed June 1, making Vienna a viable connecting option now. Brussels Airlines remains suspended through October 24. British Airways is returning August 1, and Iberia is suspended through July 27.
Direct Flights to Israel Under Normal Conditions
For travelers planning ahead for when regular service resumes, Israel is well-served by direct routes from North America under normal operating conditions.
Direct flights typically operate from New York (JFK and Newark), Miami, and Los Angeles, primarily on El Al, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These are the routes El Al is prioritizing in its repatriation plan, which signals they will be among the first to fully restore regular service once outbound flights are permitted.
Tips for Booking Flights to Israel in July 2026
When booking flights to Israel, there are several strategies that can help you find the best deals and ensure a smooth journey:
- Book Directly with Airlines: While third-party booking sites and travel agencies can sometimes offer discounts, booking directly with airlines is often more reliable, especially when dealing with potential changes or cancellations. Direct bookings allow for easier management of your travel plans and access to better customer service.
- Stay Flexible with Dates and Times: Flexibility is key when looking for the best fares. Flights in the middle of the week are often less expensive than weekend flights, and early morning or late-night departures can also come with savings. Additionally, being flexible with your travel dates can open up more flight options, especially if certain airlines flying to Israel have limited schedules.
- Consider Stopovers for Cheaper Options: Direct flights are convenient, but they can also be more expensive. Consider flights with stopovers, which are often cheaper and provide the added bonus of exploring another city along the way. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, with connections through Istanbul, and Emirates, through Dubai, offer seamless stopover options with competitive pricing.
- Check for Additional Perks: Some airlines offer perks like extra baggage allowances, free seat selection, or even access to airport lounges. These perks can enhance your travel experience, making the journey to Israel more comfortable and stress-free.
- Monitor Travel Alerts and Updates: Keep an eye on travel advisories and updates from your chosen airline. Changes in security protocols or airline operations can affect your travel plans, so staying informed will help you navigate any potential disruptions.
- Consider Using Travel Insurance: Travel insurance with coverage for trip cancellations or delays due to geopolitical situations is highly recommended. Check with insurance providers for policies that specifically cover travel disruptions related to conflict zones.
- Consult with Travel Agencies Specializing in Israel: Travel agencies familiar with the current situation can provide valuable insights into the best routes, airlines, and accommodations available in Israel.
What to Expect When Flying to Israel
Traveling to Israel can be a unique experience, especially when considering the high standards of security and the distinct service culture of Israeli airlines. Here are some key things to expect:
- Enhanced Security Checks: Israel is known for its thorough security measures, which are among the strictest in the world. Passengers should arrive at the airport early to allow time for security screenings. While these checks may seem rigorous, they are designed to ensure the safety of all passengers and should be seen as a positive aspect of flying to Israel.
- In-Flight Experience: Airlines flying to Israel, such as El Al, Arkia, and Israir, offer a blend of Israeli hospitality and modern amenities. Expect kosher meal options, multilingual staff (including Hebrew and English), and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects Israel’s diverse culture.
- Arrival in Israel: Ben Gurion Airport, located near Tel Aviv, is one of the most efficient airports in the region. Upon arrival, travelers will find streamlined immigration processes, ample transportation options, and a range of services designed to make the transition from flight to destination as smooth as possible.
Future Trends in Airlines Flying to Israel
Industry experts predict that as conditions stabilize, additional airlines will gradually resume service. Over the course of 2026, we expect further normalization of flight frequencies, particularly from North America and Europe. Carriers like Delta, British Airways, and EasyJet are anticipated to return fully once the security situation is deemed stable, restoring pre-conflict connectivity.
For instance, partnerships between El Al and American carriers could mean more streamlined connections from North America, enhancing the travel experience for those flying long distances. The future of air travel to Israel looks promising, with more options and competitive pricing likely on the horizon.
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Masa’s six-week volunteer programs are currently running, with 24/7 security monitoring, safe room access in all housing, and real-time programming adjustments based on conditions on the ground. Programs include emergency medical volunteering with Magen David Adom, community support, education, agriculture, and humanitarian aid — all for $400 for six weeks after the Masa Grant is applied.
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FAQs About Airlines Flying to Israel in July 2026
Which airlines are flying to Israel right now in July 2026?
Ben Gurion Airport fully reopened on April 9, 2026 following the ceasefire. El Al, Arkia, and Israir are operating expanded schedules. Foreign airlines returning this week include Etihad, Ethiopian, Hainan, TUS Airways, Bluebird, Smartwings, Georgian Airways, FlyOne, Red Wings, and ALK Airlines. United Airlines, Air Canada, and British Airways have not yet resumed — United and Air Canada remain suspended until September 7.
Are there direct flights from the United States to Israel in July 2026?
Yes. El Al is operating direct flights from New York, Newark, Miami, Los Angeles, and is adding Boston from April 19. Arkia is also operating New York–Tel Aviv flights throughout April. United Airlines and Air Canada remain suspended until September 7.
My El Al flight was canceled — what do I do?
Nothing immediately. El Al is automatically reassigning all affected customers to repatriation flights based on original travel date, at no additional cost. You will be contacted directly by the airline. Do not call El Al’s customer service line for flight assignments — check elal.com for updates.
When will international airlines resume flights to Israel?
No confirmed timelines have been issued. International airlines are expected to resume service once Israeli airspace is fully reopened and safety assessments allow. Monitor individual airline websites for announcements. Based on previous disruptions, restoration of full international service typically follows within two to four weeks of a phased reopening.
What connecting cities are best for reaching Israel?
Athens, Rome, Paris, London, Munich, Zurich, Amsterdam, and Larnaca are the primary European hubs for connecting flights to Israel. Athens and Rome are the most active right now given their role in the current repatriation operation.
Is it safe to fly to Israel right now?
The Civil Aviation Authority and Home Front Command are managing flight operations with real-time security coordination. Civilian aircraft communications are integrated with military control during approach and departure. Travelers should follow all instructions from airline and airport staff and monitor Home Front Command alerts. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert app before and during your trip.
