In a significant boost for Israel’s tourism industry, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) yesterday officially lifted its recommendation against non-essential travel to Israel. The move signals a renewed confidence in the region’s stability and has triggered a wave of positive announcements from major European airlines, which are now set to resume and increase their flight services to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV).

The EASA’s advisory was put in place following the regional tensions and the brief, but intense, conflict with Iran, dubbed “Operation Am Kelavi” in Israel. The successful outcome of this operation from Israel’s perspective and the subsequent calming of the security situation were key factors in the European regulator’s decision to remove the flight warning. The advisory has also been lifted for Lebanon and Jordan. This decision is the green light the aviation industry was waiting for, and the response from European carriers has been swift.

Major US and European Airlines Announce Return to Tel Aviv

A significant development in Israel’s aviation sector sees major American and European carriers announcing their return to Tel Aviv. Following the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) updated guidance, a growing list of airlines are resuming services, boosting connectivity for both tourism and business.

In a highly anticipated move, United Airlines has officially announced it will resume its flights to Israel starting July 21, 2025. This makes it one of the first major U.S. carriers to return, a crucial step for restoring travel from North America. In contrast, Delta Air Lines is maintaining a more cautious stance, with its Tel Aviv route currently paused through August 31, 2025.

On the European front, the influx of returning airlines continues to grow. Greek carrier Aegean Airlines will resume its flights on July 15, 2025, initially offering routes to Athens, Crete, and Larnaca, with more destinations to follow. Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is set to recommence its popular routes to Israel starting August 8, 2025.

These carriers join a wave of others returning this month. Spain’s Air Europa is scheduled to resume flights on July 14, followed by Poland’s national carrier LOT on July 15 and Bulgaria Air on July 21. This follows the swift return of Air France, which already resumed its services on July 7.

The Lufthansa Group is holding to its previously announced schedule, with Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines set to resume their flights on August 1, 2025. However, travelers should note that SWISS, also part of the group, has postponed its return to Tel Aviv until October 25 for operational reasons.

The removal of the EASA advisory is a critical step in restoring full air connectivity between Israel and the world. For international tourists, this translates to more options, potentially lower fares, and the reassurance of flying with leading global airlines. As more carriers return to the skies over Tel Aviv, the vibrant streets of Jerusalem, the bustling beaches of Tel Aviv, and the timeless landscapes of the Galilee are once again within easy reach.