United Airlines has resumed flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, on July 21, becoming the first U.S. carrier to do so following the ceasefire that ended the 12-day conflict with Iran. The Chicago-based airline will operate twice-daily flights from New York and Newark to Ben Gurion Airport, marking a return to its longstanding commitment to serving the city. United Airlines had previously halted its flights to Tel Aviv last month, with its last flight occurring the day before Operation Rising Lion began. The resumption of flights is part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to maintain its connection to Tel Aviv, with the airline emphasizing its adherence to safety protocols and close consultations with its unions.
Additionally, United Airlines continues to offer flights on its Boeing 787-10s and has partnerships with Lufthansa Group for connections to Tel Aviv. American Airlines has not serviced Tel Aviv since October 2023, following the Hamas attack. The State Department maintains a travel advisory for Israel, citing ongoing terrorism and unrest. President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House, marking Netanyahu’s first visit to Washington since the start of the conflict.
Trump, known for his close ties with Israel, praised the partnership during the public portion of their dinner meeting. ‘We had tremendous success together,’ Trump said, expressing confidence in future collaboration. Netanyahu surprised Trump with a formal Nobel Peace Prize nomination at the dinner, highlighting the diplomatic significance of their meeting. The U.S. government has issued travel advisories to citizens in Israel, advising caution due to the unpredictable security situation, including the risk of mortar and rocket attacks, armed UAVs, and missiles. These advisories underscore the ongoing challenges in the region, even with the temporary ceasefire in place.
The resumption of United Airlines flights reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Israel, particularly as Trump continues to advocate for closer ties. The airline’s decision to resume service aligns with these diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining connectivity to the region. Despite the travel advisories, the return of flights signals a tentative step toward normalization, though uncertainties remain about the long-term stability of the ceasefire and the safety of travelers in the area.