United Airlines announced it will resume its nonstop service from New York to Tel Aviv on July 21, marking a significant step in restoring U.S.–Israel air connectivity following the recent conflict between Israel and Iran. The return to service comes 10 days earlier than previously expected, as the airline responds to improved safety conditions in the region.
A second daily flight will follow on July 22, reestablishing United’s full pre-war schedule between the two cities. The airline described the early resumption as a reflection of its “longstanding commitment to the Israeli market.” United has historically operated more flights to Tel Aviv than any other U.S. airline, serving as a key bridge between Israel and North America.
All commercial flights to and from Tel Aviv were suspended beginning June 13, when Israel closed its airspace amid escalating hostilities with Iran. The closure, which lasted nearly two weeks, left tens of thousands of travelers stranded overseas and significantly disrupted international travel to the region. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire brought the immediate conflict to a halt, and Israel reopened its airspace shortly thereafter.
Although the airspace is now open, most major international carriers—including British Airways, Delta Air Lines, easyJet, and Ryanair—have yet to announce firm dates for resuming service to Tel Aviv. Air France resumed nonstop service from Paris to Tel Aviv on July 7, while Germany’s Lufthansa Group is slated to restart its flights on August 1.
United stressed that its decision to return to the route was made following a comprehensive evaluation of regional safety conditions and in close collaboration with its pilot and flight attendant unions. “Any decision by United to operate flights to Tel Aviv is made after a thorough assessment of operational considerations in the region,” the airline stated.
Tickets for flights to and from Tel Aviv are already available for purchase on United’s website.
In addition to Tel Aviv, United had previously suspended its Newark–Dubai route, though it has not yet confirmed whether or when that service will resume. Meanwhile, other U.S. carriers such as Delta and American Airlines continue to suspend operations to Middle Eastern destinations, with no immediate plans for reinstatement.
