TL;DR: Which Airlines Are Flying to Israel in November 2026?
If you are searching for airlines flying to Israel right now, the picture looks very different than it did in the spring. Ben Gurion Airport has been fully open since April 9, 2026, and the major North American and European carriers that suspended service during Operation Roaring Lion are now back or scheduled to return within weeks. Delta, United, and British Airways are flying again, Air Canada returns November 30, and American Airlines remains the main holdout. This guide covers exactly where things stand today.
Ben Gurion Airport Status November 2026
Ben Gurion Airport fully reopened to civilian traffic on April 9, 2026, following the ceasefire. Recovery since then has been steady. In September 2026, about 76,000 passengers per day passed through the airport, roughly in line with the 77,000 daily average in September 2023. During the Tishrei holiday period, 55 foreign airlines were operating at Ben Gurion.
Foreign airline recovery has come in phases: regional and European carriers first, then Lufthansa Group and Wizz Air over the summer, then Delta and United in September, and British Airways at the end of October. Foreign carrier numbers are still below pre-war levels, so Israeli airlines continue to carry a large share of traffic.
Why Staying Updated on Airlines Flying to Israel is Important
Airline schedules to Israel have changed constantly throughout 2026, and return dates have been pushed back more than once. Checking the current status before you book helps you avoid last-minute cancellations and choose the most reliable route.
Is Ben Gurion Airport Open in November 2026?
Is Ben Gurion Airport Open in November 2026?
Yes. Ben Gurion Airport has been fully open since April 9, 2026, following the ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran. All terminals, duty-free shops, and passenger services are operating normally.
Israeli airlines (El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa) are flying full schedules. Most European carriers have returned, and Delta and United resumed US–Israel service in September. The main airlines still missing are British Airways (returning October 25), Air Canada, and American Airlines.
What Happened With FlyDubai?
On September 30, 2026, FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit and tried to take control of the aircraft. A relief crew and passengers helped regain control, and the plane landed safely.
Israel suspended FlyDubai flights to Ben Gurion for six days, and FlyDubai then announced it was suspending all Israel flights until further notice. The investigation is ongoing. If you are booked on FlyDubai to or from Israel, check flydubai.com and contact the airline directly about rebooking or a refund.
Which Airlines Are Currently Flying to Israel in November 2026?
- El Al — the widest network, including six US gateways this winter: New York (JFK), Newark, Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco (new from October 25), plus European and Asian routes
- Arkia — flights to Europe and New York
- Israir — flights to Europe and other regional destinations
US and Canadian Carriers Now Flying
- Delta Air Lines — New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv resumed September 6
- United Airlines — Newark to Tel Aviv resumed September 8; Chicago (O’Hare) resumed October 24; Washington Dulles resumed October 25
European Carriers Now Flying
- British Airways — London to Tel Aviv resumed October 25 with one daily flight
- Iberia — daily Madrid–Tel Aviv flights from October 25
- Lufthansa — Frankfurt–Tel Aviv, resumed July 1
- SWISS — Zurich–Tel Aviv, resumed
- Austrian Airlines — Vienna–Tel Aviv, resumed June 2
- Brussels Airlines — Brussels–Tel Aviv, resumed
- ITA Airways — Rome–Tel Aviv, resumed
- KLM — Amsterdam–Tel Aviv, resumed August 25
- Air France — Paris–Tel Aviv, resumed
- Wizz Air — operating and adding routes from across Europe
- Aegean Airlines — Athens–Tel Aviv
- SAS — Copenhagen–Tel Aviv from October 26, four weekly flights
Other International Carriers Now Flying
- Etihad Airways — Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv
- Air India — resumed
- Hainan Airlines — Beijing and Shenzhen
- Cathay Pacific — Hong Kong
Airlines Still Suspended or Not Yet Returned
- American Airlines — suspended through March 28, 2027
- Air Canada — Toronto resumes November 30; Montreal has not been confirmed
- Delta — Atlanta suspended until December 18 at the earliest; Boston delayed until further notice
- Eurowings — planned return at the end of October; confirm directly with the airline
- Ryanair — no return date; Tel Aviv has been removed from its network
- easyJet — no confirmed restart date
Direct Flights to Israel from North America
Direct flights between North America and Israel are now available on both Israeli and US carriers. Routes currently operating:
- New York (JFK) — El Al, Delta, Arkia
- Newark — El Al, United
- Chicago (O’Hare) — United
- Washington (Dulles) — United
- Miami — El Al
- Boston — El Al
- Los Angeles — El Al
- San Francisco — El Al (new from October 25, three weekly flights)
Coming soon:
- Toronto — Air Canada resumes November 30 with four weekly year-round flights
- Buenos Aires — El Al’s new route to South America starts November 29, twice weekly
- San Francisco — United returns March 28, 2027
Not yet available: American Airlines, Delta from Atlanta or Boston.
Connecting Through Europe
If a direct route isn’t available from your city, connecting through Europe is again a practical option now that the major European airlines have returned.
- London — British Airways and El Al
- Frankfurt — Lufthansa
- Zurich — SWISS
- Vienna — Austrian Airlines and Wizz Air
- Amsterdam — KLM
- Paris — Air France and El Al
- Madrid — Iberia and El Al
- Rome — ITA Airways, El Al, Israir, and Arkia
- Brussels — Brussels Airlines
- Copenhagen — SAS (from October 26) and El Al
- Athens — Aegean, El Al, Arkia, and Israir
- Abu Dhabi — Etihad, useful for connections from Asia
Tips for Booking Flights to Israel in November 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.
Why Travel to Israel with Masa Israel Journey
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Through Masa, you don’t just visit Israel—you live it. From making lifelong connections with locals and other participants to gaining real-world skills that enhance your career, Masa Israel Journey provides a holistic experience that goes far beyond what a typical trip offers.
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 November 2026
Which airlines are flying to Israel right now in November 2026?
Ben Gurion Airport has been fully open since April 9, 2026. El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa are on full schedules. Delta and United resumed in September. Most European airlines are operating, including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Eurowings, Air France, Wizz Air, and Aegean. British Airways returns October 25. FlyDubai is currently suspended.
Are there direct flights from the United States to Israel in November 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 FlyDubai flying to Israel?
No. FlyDubai suspended all Israel flights until further notice after the September 30 incident on flight FZ1073. Check flydubai.com for updates.
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.
