United Airlines will restart flights to Tel Aviv on July 21, advancing its original plan by two weeks. This move makes United the first US airline to resume service to Israel after flights were suspended last month due to the conflict with Iran.
The Chicago-based airline will operate one daily nonstop flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Tel Aviv starting July 21. A second daily flight will begin on July 22. United had initially planned to resume service on August 1 but moved the date earlier after Israel reopened its airspace and the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency lifted its high-risk advisory for the region.
United’s decision comes after flights were halted on June 13 when Israel closed its airspace during military operations against Iranian targets. Both United and Delta flights to Tel Aviv had turned back mid-flight amid rising tensions. Delta plans to restart its New York-Tel Aviv route on September 11, while American Airlines has not flown to Israel for nearly two years.
In a statement, United emphasized its strong commitment to the Israeli market, noting that it operated more flights to Tel Aviv than any other US airline in 2025.
The suspension had left Israeli carriers El Al and Arkia as the only operators on the popular transatlantic route, leading to high demand and increased airfare prices. United has begun selling tickets for the resumed flights, with round-trip economy fares starting below $1,150.
European airlines have been slower to return; Air France resumed flights on July 7, while Germany’s Lufthansa Group will restart services gradually starting August 12. British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair have not yet announced plans to resume flights to Israel.
The resumption of flights comes amid ongoing regional tensions following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel in June, which resulted in civilian casualties. Airlines continue to balance safety concerns with commercial needs as they consider returning to conflict-adjacent areas.
