By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)
🆕 Update – October 25, 2025: Israel’s aviation revival is gaining even more altitude as major airlines return — and new ones join the skies. British Airways and Iberia are both resuming flights to Tel Aviv this week, reconnecting Israel with London and Madrid after extended suspensions. Meanwhile, Sky Express, the Greek carrier, has announced its first-ever route to Israel, launching Athens–Tel Aviv service in December 2025, further strengthening Mediterranean connectivity. American Airlines has also confirmed plans to restart its New York (JFK)–Tel Aviv route in March 2026, marking a significant U.S. comeback to Israel’s skies. Together, these moves highlight growing global confidence in Israel’s safety, stability, and renewed role as a key hub in international travel.
🆕 Update – October 15, 2025: The skies over Israel continue to open wider as more airlines resume and expand service. Air Canada has officially resumed daily flights from Toronto to Tel Aviv as of October 9, with its Montreal route expected in spring 2026. After nearly a 10-year absence, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will return to Israel on October 26, launching three weekly flights from Copenhagen. AnimaWings, a Romanian carrier, has re-entered the Israeli market with scheduled service from Bucharest to Tel Aviv, operating three times per week since October 5. Meanwhile, United Airlines will be adding a fourth daily flight on its New York–Tel Aviv route, making it the most frequent nonstop service between North America and Israel to date.
Here is the original Article:
July 27, 2025 — If you’ve been watching the skies over Israel lately, you’ve probably noticed something amazing: airlines are returning — many sooner than expected — now that calm has settled after the great victory against Iran this past June (and the massive hit their proxies in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria have taken).
The war with Iran has ended in victory — and for the first time since the founding of the State, our enemies are at their weakest. Hezbollah is fractured, Syria is in disarray, and Hamas in Gaza is reeling. A new era is dawning in the Holy Land — and with it, a powerful resurgence in travel, security, and hope.
EASA Declares Israel’s Skies Safe — Airlines Respond Immediately
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), known for being extremely zealous—often marking Israel as unsafe even when conditions are stable—gave a big green light earlier this month. They officially lifted their warnings against flying to Israel, declaring the airspace safe and reliable.
When EASA says the skies are safe, you can be confident they truly are.
This announcement changed everything.
Airlines that had been cautious, postponing their return, quickly moved their flight schedules forward. Some had planned to come back in September or October but instead decided to start flying to Israel as early as August. It’s a powerful message: Israel is open and safe for travel.
Who’s Back — and When?
Let’s break it down.
- United Airlines didn’t wait long. Just days after the ceasefire, they restarted their New York–Tel Aviv flights on July 21 — adding a second daily flight the next day.
- Air France resumed daily flights through July, ramping up their schedules.
- Hainan Airlines (China) resumed its Shenzhen–Tel Aviv route on June 29.
- Our own Arkia and Israir expanded flights after maintaining limited service through the conflict.
- Middle Eastern and regional airlines like Flydubai, Etihad, Ethiopian, Aegean, Cyprus, AirEuropa and Azerbaijan Airlines have also returned, welcoming travelers from all directions.
Coming Soon: More Carriers Join the Party
- Lufthansa Group airlines, including Lufthansa and Austrian Air, moved their comeback up to August 1.
- Bulgaria Air announced they are resuming flights to Tel Aviv on July 31.
- Wizz Air accelerated its return to Israel, resuming flights on August 8, 2025, ahead of a planned mid‑September restart.
- Wizz Air’s CEO emphasized that Israel is “totally safe and secure” under their monitoring.
- Air Brussels announced the resumption of flights on August 13.
- SWISS International will restart Tel Aviv flights on September 29, 2025.
🛑 Airlines Delaying or Extending Cancellations
- British Airways and Ryanair remain suspended through at least October 25, 2025
- easyJet has extended its suspension of Israel flights through March 29, 2026, with no return planned in fall 2025, though that can always change
Whether you’re a tourist, a business traveler, or someone eager to visit family, this boom in flights is fantastic news. It means more choices, better prices, and easier access.
International passenger traffic through Ben Gurion Airport in July has been steadily recovering, with tens of thousands of travelers passing through daily. Though still below pre-conflict levels, the trend is unmistakably positive — signaling confidence returning to Israel’s skies.
Hotels are filling up, conferences are being rescheduled, and visitors are once again making plans to experience the land and culture.
The Sky Is Clear, and the Time Is Now
The Sky Is Clear, and the Time Is Now
EASA’s declaration, especially given their usual zealous caution, combined with swift airline action, signals one thing loud and clear: Israel’s skies are safe again. The country is open, vibrant, and waiting to welcome you.
So dust off your suitcase. Whether you’re dreaming of Jerusalem’s ancient streets, the serene beauty of the Galilee and Golan Heights, the historic Biblical sites of Judea and Samaria, the sun-soaked coastal region, or the breathtaking landscapes of the Negev, 2025 is shaping up to be the year to come home to Israel — or discover it for the very first time.
Safe travels — and welcome back to the skies over Israel!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional travel, legal, or safety advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding airline operations and safety assessments, the situation may change rapidly. The author is not an aviation expert or legal authority and does not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented. Travelers are strongly advised to consult directly with airlines, government travel advisories, and official aviation authorities before making any travel plans to or from Israel.
Nosson Shulman is a journalist and Licensed Tour Guide in Israel specializing in Biblical tours. To allow tourists to experience Israel during the Corona era, he created the new hit Israel tour video series which brings Israel to the home of viewers by simulating actual tours. To check out his free sneak preview tour videos, click here. To view sample tour itineraries or to inquire about private tour opportunities with a personalized itinerary on your next trip to Israel, click here.
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